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Madelyn Gallo, a senior volleyball player for Nile C. Kinnick, has been named DODEA-Pacific's high school girls Athlete of the Year for school year 2019-20.<br>Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes
Madelyn Gallo, a senior volleyball player for Nile C. Kinnick, has been named DODEA-Pacific's high school girls Athlete of the Year for school year 2019-20.<br>Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes

Kinnick's Gailson, Gallo named DODEA-Pacific's top athletes

For the first time, Department of Defense Education Activity-Pacific has named high school Athletes of the Year. And it’s one Red Devil of a senior pair.

Senior L.J. Scarver and E.J. King's track and field team won't get the chance to compete in DODEA-Japan competition this spring, as the district announced Thursday it was shuttering its spring sports schedule for the rest of the school year.<br>PHOTO COURTESY OF E.J. KING TRACK
Senior L.J. Scarver and E.J. King's track and field team won't get the chance to compete in DODEA-Japan competition this spring, as the district announced Thursday it was shuttering its spring sports schedule for the rest of the school year.<br>PHOTO COURTESY OF E.J. KING TRACK

DODEA cancels spring sports season in Japan

The announcement came the same day that DODEA-Japan and DODEA-Okinawa officials announced that classroom instruction would be halted from March 20-April 10 due to coronavirus concerns.

Kubasaki's Angelo Medieros and Kadena's Nolan Taylor scrap for the ball during Wednesday's Okinawa boys soccer match.<br>Jaelyn Forbes/Special to Stripes
Kubasaki's Angelo Medieros and Kadena's Nolan Taylor scrap for the ball during Wednesday's Okinawa boys soccer match.<br>Jaelyn Forbes/Special to Stripes

It's time to play ball again on Okinawa

With play resuming between Kubasaki and Kadena this week, Okinawa is the only place on earth where DODEA teams have started spring sports competition.

Senior Casey Cox averaged 11.2 points, 11.8 assists and 3.4 steals per game to lead the Kadena Panthers to the Okinawa district title, second place in the American School In Japan Kanto Classic and their second straight Okinawa-American Friendship Tournament title.<br>Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes
Senior Casey Cox averaged 11.2 points, 11.8 assists and 3.4 steals per game to lead the Kadena Panthers to the Okinawa district title, second place in the American School In Japan Kanto Classic and their second straight Okinawa-American Friendship Tournament title.<br>Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes

Boys basketball AOY

Cox didn't get all he wanted, but got all he could

Since losing the Far East Division I Tournament final to Seoul American three years ago, Casey Cox said it had been his mission to make up for that defeat and took dead aim at his senior season to do it.

Kubasaki's Kaisei Taylor and Aden Leggio scuffle for the ball.<br>Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes
Kubasaki's Kaisei Taylor and Aden Leggio scuffle for the ball.<br>Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes

Amid coronavirus concerns, spring tryouts begin on Okinawa

Track and field begins its tryouts on Monday, and all sports in DODEA-Japan will follow starting Monday, with Zama the last to hit the fields on Wednesday.

Yokota's Connor Rowan goes up for a basket Thursday while defended by Robert D. Edgren's Shamar Parnell, right, and Alec Struve. Edgren won 47-45 in the last game of the season for both teams as DODEA-Pacific and military officials decided to cancel the Far East boys tournament at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, due to concerns of the spread of the coronavirus.<br>Shelbey Bingham/Special to Stripes
Yokota's Connor Rowan goes up for a basket Thursday while defended by Robert D. Edgren's Shamar Parnell, right, and Alec Struve. Edgren won 47-45 in the last game of the season for both teams as DODEA-Pacific and military officials decided to cancel the Far East boys tournament at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, due to concerns of the spread of the coronavirus.<br>Shelbey Bingham/Special to Stripes

Far East basketball, cheerleading canceled due to coronavirus fears

DODEA-Pacific officials decide to cancel events in South Korea, Japan and Okinawa due to concerns over spread of coronavirus.

Collin Metcalf and Humphreys' boys team towered over the field in Korea for a third straight season, but had their struggles in last month's Kanto Classic. Might the Blackhawks be vulnerable at Far East?<br>Lily Austinson/Special to Stripes
Collin Metcalf and Humphreys' boys team towered over the field in Korea for a third straight season, but had their struggles in last month's Kanto Classic. Might the Blackhawks be vulnerable at Far East?<br>Lily Austinson/Special to Stripes

Far East basketball

Humphreys boys look to demonstrate lessons they have learned

Talk about a rough patch for Blackhawks boys basketball.

If Daegu's girls are to take the final step to a Far East Division II title, junior guard Bethani Newbold has to make do without her inside partner of the last two years, Dai'Ja Turner, who has transferred to the States.<br>Katrina Vasquez/Special to Stripes
If Daegu's girls are to take the final step to a Far East Division II title, junior guard Bethani Newbold has to make do without her inside partner of the last two years, Dai'Ja Turner, who has transferred to the States.<br>Katrina Vasquez/Special to Stripes

Far East basketball

Zama, Kadena seen as favorites in girls tourneys

While some teams look at a basketball tournament as a “go hard or go home” deal, Chloe Sterling says she and her Zama teammates have their own spin on that expression: “Go hard or go hard.”

Kubasaki coach Brent Cook and his Dragons celebrate their repeat Far East Division I individual freestyle team title.<br>Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes
Kubasaki coach Brent Cook and his Dragons celebrate their repeat Far East Division I individual freestyle team title.<br>Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes

Far East wrestling

Four Dragons capture titles as Kubasaki defends crown

Just as Colin Nation’s victory at 180 pounds clinched the D-I title for Kubasaki, the Division II team crown came down to Yokota senior Austin Fisher pinning American School In Japan’s Dani Rahman at 215.

Kadena boys take second straight Friendship crown

Panthers are now 18-3 with one game against Kubasaki left before Far East tournament begins.

Father Duenas' Matthew Santos dribbles against Kadena's Tristan Higginson during Saturday's boys varsity basketball finals game. Father Duenas won the game and the tournament championship.<br>Mayu Ono/Special to Stripes
Father Duenas' Matthew Santos dribbles against Kadena's Tristan Higginson during Saturday's boys varsity basketball finals game. Father Duenas won the game and the tournament championship.<br>Mayu Ono/Special to Stripes

Zama turns last year's disappointment into triumph

Inspired by their home fans, ASIJ made it a see-saw battle, until finally, Kirari Smith hit two foul shots with 45 seconds left to give the Trojans just enough of a cushion.

Kubasaki's Colin Lundberg en route to winning by technical fall over Yokota's Joey DeGrella in the 148-pound final.<br>Xue Yang/Special to Stripes
Kubasaki's Colin Lundberg en route to winning by technical fall over Yokota's Joey DeGrella in the 148-pound final.<br>Xue Yang/Special to Stripes

Kubasaki sends a message in dominant "Beast" victory

Dragons have won only two of the last 10 Far East wrestling titles, but send six wrestlers to championship match in biggest in-season tournament.

Connor Coyne, left, and Humphreys' boys basketball team will look to make it two straight titles in this weekend's American School In Japan Kanto Classic.<br>Katrina Vasquez/Special to Stripes
Connor Coyne, left, and Humphreys' boys basketball team will look to make it two straight titles in this weekend's American School In Japan Kanto Classic.<br>Katrina Vasquez/Special to Stripes

Tournaments serve as tests for wrestling, basketball teams

They finished fourth, losing four times in the Kanto Classic last January. But coach Daisy Whitaker-Hayes called the three-day tournament at American School In Japan a “pivotal point” in Zama’s bid for its first DODEA-Japan and Far East Division II Tournament titles.

Kubasaki's Dylan Canlas drives for a shot against Taipei American during Sunday's Taipei Basketball Exchange boys game. The Tigers won 72-58; the Dragons split their two games with the Tigers.<br>Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes
Kubasaki's Dylan Canlas drives for a shot against Taipei American during Sunday's Taipei Basketball Exchange boys game. The Tigers won 72-58; the Dragons split their two games with the Tigers.<br>Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes

Taipei gives Okinawa teams a new challenge

Players from each team said they felt they gained something from the games, their first against non-Okinawa opponents since the season started.

Daegu's Katrina Vasquez picks up the ball next to Osan's Athena Riddick during Saturday's Korea Blue girls basketball game. The Warriors won 62-38 and captured their second straight regular-season title.<br>Chris Berry/Special to Stripes
Daegu's Katrina Vasquez picks up the ball next to Osan's Athena Riddick during Saturday's Korea Blue girls basketball game. The Warriors won 62-38 and captured their second straight regular-season title.<br>Chris Berry/Special to Stripes

Prep roundup

Daegu, Humphreys girls will be Korea tourney favorites

Coupled with Humphreys’ 45-8 home win against Yongsan, the Warriors and Blackhawks each finished 9-1 in the regular season.

Casey Cox and Kadena won both of their games last year against Taipei American's boys basketball team. The Tigers return this weekend for the annual Taipei Basketball Exchange against the Panthers and Kubasaki.<br>Jaelyn Forbes/Special to Stripes
Casey Cox and Kadena won both of their games last year against Taipei American's boys basketball team. The Tigers return this weekend for the annual Taipei Basketball Exchange against the Panthers and Kubasaki.<br>Jaelyn Forbes/Special to Stripes

Okinawa teams finally get chance to play someone else

For the first time since the season began in early December, Kadena’s and Kubasaki’s boys and girls basketball teams get to face somebody besides teams based in Okinawa.

Nile C. Kinnick's Madelyn Gallo is tied up by American School In Japan's Pari Eaton and Maya Greenquist during Saturday's Kanto Plain girls basketball game. The Mustangs won 18-16.<br>Sheila Suckart/Special to Stripes
Nile C. Kinnick's Madelyn Gallo is tied up by American School In Japan's Pari Eaton and Maya Greenquist during Saturday's Kanto Plain girls basketball game. The Mustangs won 18-16.<br>Sheila Suckart/Special to Stripes

Prep roundup

Blackhawks pull together for key win over Daegu

Jaylynn Knight scored 15 points and Humphreys took charge in the third quarter before holding off the Warriors for a 38-37 triumph.

Kubasaki's Colin Nation does a back toss on Humphreys' Dennis Hernandez in the 180-pound final of the 7th Rumble on the Rock wrestling tournament. Nation won by technical fall 10-0 in 35 seconds and was voted the tournament's Outstanding Wrestler.<br>Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes
Kubasaki's Colin Nation does a back toss on Humphreys' Dennis Hernandez in the 180-pound final of the 7th Rumble on the Rock wrestling tournament. Nation won by technical fall 10-0 in 35 seconds and was voted the tournament's Outstanding Wrestler.<br>Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes

Prep roundup

Many wrestlers get chance to see what Far East foes look like

Colin Nation, a Kubasaki junior transfer from Tampa Prep, won all three of his bouts by technical fall.

After seven years on the shelf, the Rumble on the Rock wrestling tournament is back on the Okinawa mats for its seventh iteration. Here in the last Rumble held in February 2013, Micah Lopez of Guam's Father Duenas gets thrown to the mat by Kubasaki's Sho Green in a 158-pound bout.<br>Adam Fondren/Special to Stripes
After seven years on the shelf, the Rumble on the Rock wrestling tournament is back on the Okinawa mats for its seventh iteration. Here in the last Rumble held in February 2013, Micah Lopez of Guam's Father Duenas gets thrown to the mat by Kubasaki's Sho Green in a 158-pound bout.<br>Adam Fondren/Special to Stripes

Wrestlers set to Rumble again this weekend

After seven years on the shelf, the Rumble on the Rock wrestling tournament is back on the Okinawa mats, with four regular Far East tournament teams and local Japanese grapplers set for a full day’s action Saturday at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma.

Brent Cook is in his fourth season as coach of defending Far East individual freestyle team champion Kubasaki.<br>Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes
Brent Cook is in his fourth season as coach of defending Far East individual freestyle team champion Kubasaki.<br>Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes

Wrestling preview

Osan turns back the clock by filling out the lineup

There were just two wrestlers in the Osan practice room two years ago, setting off concerns about an “empty room syndrome” at some of the smaller programs in Korea.

Junior Collin Metcalf has the burden of becoming the third sibling in his family to fill the shoes of the pillar in the center of it all. In Collin's case, filling the shoes of three-time Far East MVP Quintin Metcalf, now on the roster at St. Bonaventure (N.Y.).<br>Lily Austinson/Special to Stripes
Junior Collin Metcalf has the burden of becoming the third sibling in his family to fill the shoes of the pillar in the center of it all. In Collin's case, filling the shoes of three-time Far East MVP Quintin Metcalf, now on the roster at St. Bonaventure (N.Y.).<br>Lily Austinson/Special to Stripes

Boys basketball preview

Can Humphreys duplicate a perfect season?

After winning all 33 games and a school-first Far East Division I boys basketball title, the question is: Can Humphreys do it all again?

Junior Bethani Newbold returns at point guard for Daegu, last year's Far East Division II runner-up.<br>Mary Obsuna/Special to Stripes
Junior Bethani Newbold returns at point guard for Daegu, last year's Far East Division II runner-up.<br>Mary Obsuna/Special to Stripes

Girls basketball preview

Zama has become the leader of the pack

What a difference that first championship season has made for Zama’s girls basketball team.

Kadena school info

Location: Kadena Air Base, Okinawa
Mascot: Panthers
Colors: Black and gold
Enrollment: 812
Website: http://www.kadena-hs.pac.dodea.edu/kdhsdnn/home/dotnetnuke/Default.html

Principal: Kris Kwiatek
Athletics director: Jason Stevens

Coaches:
Football: Sergio Mendoza
Tennis: Aaron Fisk
Cross country: Seth Renquist
Girls volleyball:Dennis Decker
Boys basketball: Antiwon Tucker
Girls basketball: Johnny Cooper, Elonzo Higginson II
Wrestling: David Compton
Boys soccer: Abraham Summers
Girls soccer: Tony Washington
Golf: Bernd Lembcke
Baseball: Steven Ferch
Softball: Steven Larson
Track and field: Reginald Winn

Wall of champions

Far East Championships for Kadena:

2017

Division I girls cross country
Division I boys soccer
Track: Wren Renquist, DI girls 800, 1,600; Division I girls 3,200 relay; Nikeria Albritton, DI girls shot put, discus

2016

Division I football
Division I girls basketball
Wrestling: Demetrio DeLaRosa, 101; Dominic Santanelli, 168
Division I softball

2015

Track: Damien Seals, boys high jump; Jazmyn Sharper, girls shot put; Jasmine Rhodes, girls high jump; Apryl-Len Cabase, girls 100 hurdles
Wrestling: Gabe Duplon, 122; Jason Bland, 141

2014

Division I football
Division I boys soccer
Division I softball
Track: Preston Harris, boys high jump; Damien Pierre, boys 110 hurdles
Wrestling: James Alexander, 168

2013

Division I boys soccer
Cross country: Andrew Kilkenny, Divsion I boys; Ana Hernandez, Division I girls
Tennis: Kristin Howard and Alex Howard, girls doubles
Track: Derrick Taylor, boys 110 hurdles; boys 300 hurdles; Rhodes, girls high jump; Pashence Turner, girls 100 hurrdles; girls 300 hurdles
Wrestling: Alex Rojas, 141

2012

Cross country: Kilkenny, Divsion I boys; Hernandez, Division I girls
Tennis: K.Howard and Erika Youngdahl, girls doubles
Track: Gabe Ahner, boys shot put; Chinyere Turner, girls 100 hurdles; girls 400 relay; girls 1,600 relay
Wrestling: Justin Duenas, 101

2011

Boys track Girls track Track: Ahner, boys shot put; Lotty Smith, boys high jump, boys long jump; Tomas Sanchez, boys 800; Jacob Bishop, boys 1,600; boys 1,600 relay; C.Turner, girls 400
Wrestling: Thomas Cioppa, 108; Jacob Bishop, 148; Cory Peckins, 158, Aaron Ahner, heavyweight

2010

Softball
Division I football
Division I boys basketball
Division I girls cross country
Division I wrestling (dual)
Boys track Track: Smith, boys long jump; James Thompason, boys 400; Sanchez, boys 800; boys 3,200 relay; girls 400 relay; girls 1,600 relay
Wrestling: Harry Bloom, 158

2009

Division I football
Division I wrestling (dual)
Tennis: Kyle Sprow, boys singles; Elissa Mason, girls singles; Sprow and Elliot Mason, boys doubles; Eli.Mason and Christin Gentz, girls doubles
Wrestling: Shanon Lautenschlager, 141; H.Bloom, 148

2008

Wrestling
Division I girls cross country
Division I girls basketball
Tennis: Sprow, boys singles; Eli.Mason, girls singles; Sprow and Ell.Mason, boys doubles
Wrestling: Chris Hoshaw, 129; H.Bloom, 141; Jacob Bloom, 148;

2007

Division I girls basketball
Girls cross country
Boys cross country
Tennis: Sprow, boys singles
Wrestling: Hoshaw, 122; Brandon McCullough, 141; J.Bloom, 148

2006

Wrestling
Girls cross country
Division I boys soccer
Division I girls soccer
Wrestling: J.Bloom, 129; Austin Copeland, 148

2005

Division I girls soccer
Division I boys basketball
Cross country: Victoria Lyle, girls
Boys cross country
Wrestling: McCullough, 129; Devon Copeland, 168

2004

Division I girls soccer
Division I boys soccer
Cross country: Jon Turner, boys; Niki Kauzlarich, girls
Tennis: Amy Lopes, girls singles; Ian Copeland and Katherine Otterson, mixed doubles
Wrestling: D.Copeland, 168; Cole Maxey, 215

2003

Division I girls basketball
Division I boys soccer

2002

Cross country: Kim Lyle, girls
Wrestling: Brenden Stanford, 101; Mundre Fleming, 148

2001

Wrestling: Fleming, 135

2000

Girls soccer

1999

Boys soccer
Division I boys basketball

1998

Girls soccer

1996

Wrestling: Jon Roundtree, 101; Adam Peaden, heavyweight

1995

Division I boys basketball

1994

Division I girls basketball

1992

Division I boys basketball
Wrestling: Ed Pineda, 141; Matt Osborne, 158

1991

Division I boys basketball

1989

Tennis: Dae Kim, boys singles; Hyo Kim and D.Kim, boys doubles

1988

Division I girls basketball

1987

Division I boys basketball
Division I girls basketball
Wrestling: James Arnestad, 135; John Metalf, 168

1986

Division I boys basketball

1985

Wrestling: Pat Walsh, 148; Nate Hodges, heavyweight

1984

Division I boys basketball
Cross country: Kiela Snyder, girls; boys

Pacific Scoreboard List

More stories

Kadena defensive lineman Dean Owen kept many a quarterback on the run this season.<br>Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes
Kadena defensive lineman Dean Owen kept many a quarterback on the run this season.<br>Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes

Football AOY

Owen anchored stingy Kadena defense on way to another title

Where Kadena’s most recent of its Pacific-record seven Far East Division I football championships are concerned, defense led the way.

Kadena running back Alfonso Mendez tries to elude Humphreys' Dontrell Powers.<br>Asahi Wayt/Special to Stripes
Kadena running back Alfonso Mendez tries to elude Humphreys' Dontrell Powers.<br>Asahi Wayt/Special to Stripes

D-I football final

Hemmers' first TDs lead Kadena to title

Ryker Hemmers had never scored a touchdown in 11 years of playing organized football, from youth to high school level.

Kinnick's Daniel Posthumus becomes his school's first Far East boys singles finalist since 2008 and DODEA-Pacific's first in nine years.<br>Beau Black/Special to Stripes
Kinnick's Daniel Posthumus becomes his school's first Far East boys singles finalist since 2008 and DODEA-Pacific's first in nine years.<br>Beau Black/Special to Stripes

Far East tennis

Posthumus rallies to reach boys singles championship

Nile C. Kinnick senior rallies past Robert D. Edgren junior Ryken Calleros 5-7, 6-4, 6-3 to become the first DODEA-Pacific boys player to reach a Far East tennis tournament singles final in nine years.

Kadena sophomore Ally Johnson lunges for a forehand return during her Far East tennis singles quarterfinal victory.<br>Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes
Kadena sophomore Ally Johnson lunges for a forehand return during her Far East tennis singles quarterfinal victory.<br>Dave Ornauer/Stars and Stripes

Far East Tennis - Day 1

DODEA players on the verge of spots in finals

One DODEA-Pacific boys player will for sure reach Saturday’s singles finals of the Far East high school tennis tournament. And it’s possible two could reach the girls final.