VIDEO: 'Iolani's Breland Almadova named State Baseball Player of the Year

The multi-tasking effort resulted in one of the most productive all-around seasons in recent Interscholastic League of Honolulu history, and it also helped him capture 2009 Advertiser State Player of the Year honors after a recent vote of coaches.

Almadova, an athletic and graceful 6 feet 1 and 180 pounds, was a valuable weapon at the plate, in center field, on the mound and on the bases.

He batted .447 in the regular and postseason, with five doubles, two triples, nine home runs, 34 RBIs, 35 runs scored and seven stolen bases. Almadova also went 2-0 with four saves and a 0.67 earned run average as a relief pitcher to help the Raiders win their first league championship since 1997 and finish fifth in the state tournament.

The state tourney appearance was 'Iolani's first since 2000.

In the ILH's tense final week alone, Almadova had a double, home run and five RBIs, and was credited with a win and two saves as 'Iolani won four games in six days to secure the title.

Almadova is joined on The Advertiser's All-State first team by three other Raiders: senior third baseman Buen Hatanaka, junior pitcher Sheldon Lee and junior utility player Jarrett Arakawa.

Hatanaka batted cleanup in 'Iolani's power-laden lineup and came through with clutch hits throughout the ILH season, batting .293 with three home runs and 18 RBIs. He also was an anchor at third base, making several spectacular stops and throws.

Lee was a workhorse, making 11 appearances (nine starts) and going 5-3 with a 2.80 ERA in a busy 45 innings pitched.

Arakawa also went far beyond the call as an outfielder, designated hitter, closer and — in the ILH championship game — starting pitcher. He went 5-1 with three saves and 30 strikeouts in 14 appearances (32 2/3 innings pitched). Arakawa also batted .411 with 17 RBIs.

ILH runner-up Kamehameha also placed four players on the All-State first team: sophomore first baseman Kewby Meyer, senior shortstop Pi'ikea Kitamura, senior outfielder Kalei Hanawahine and junior catcher Keanu Carmichael.

Meyer was a steady offensive weapon, batting .435 with two home runs and 27 RBIs.

Kitamura was one of the state's most feared hitters, batting .409 with five doubles and 12 RBIs. He also was a force on defense, covering ample ground at short and making strong throws from deep in the hole.

Hanawahine was a speedy and productive No. 2 batter and playmaker in right field, running down fly balls and rifling throws back to the infield or home plate. He hit .397 with three home runs and 18 RBIs.

Carmichael was yet another power hitter and an anchor behind the plate. He batted .410 with four home runs and 20 RBIs.

State runner-up Kailua was represented by three players: second baseman Jared Iha and utility players Alika Ramseyer-Ho and Kale Sumner.

Iha, a junior but already a three-year starter, hit .344 with 10 RBIs in the regular season and launched a home run in the O'ahu Interscholastic Association championship game.

Ramseyer-Ho was a versatile sophomore who could play third or first base, and then come in as a closer. He was particularly effective in the state tournament, going 1-0 with one save and allowing only one earned run in 11 2/3 innings pitched, with 15 strikeouts and one walk. Ramseyer-Ho also batted 7 for 13 in the tournament, with a double and five RBIs.

Sumner, a senior slugger who is the only All-State first-team repeat selection, switched from third base to catcher this season but also contributed in right field and at third base.

He batted .440 in the regular season, with two home runs and 19 RBIs.

State champion Punahou placed two players on the first team: sophomore outfielder Michael Suiter and senior pitcher Jeremy Fujimoto.

Suiter followed older brother Matt (Class of 2008) into center field and the leadoff batter spot for the Buffanblu, and onto the All-State first team. He hit .427, with five doubles and eight stolen bases, and tracked down all the fly balls in center.

Fujimoto endured an up-and-down regular season (4-4, 3.08 ERA) and then was nails in the state tournament, going 2-0 with one save in 10 shutout innings, with 19 strikeouts and only one walk. His clutch performance earned him tournament Most Outstanding Player honors as he led Punahou to a record sixth straight title.

Pearl City senior catcher Carlton Tanabe — who was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the 24th round of the Major League draft last week — rounds out the first team. Tanabe batted .337, with seven home runs, eight doubles, three triples and 33 RBIs.

He also was a force defensively, shutting down opponents' running game with his strong and accurate arm.

Punahou's Eric Kadooka was named Coach of the Year after guiding a young Buffanblu team (seven new starters) to a third-place ILH finish and then an impressive four-game run through the state tournament.