All senior Tyler Deverse has known at Kealakehe is winning, and that gives him a chance to accomplish something that’s never been done at his school. Considering the program in question, that’s saying something.
The Waveriders boys soccer team has rolled off seven Big Island Interscholastic Federation Division I titles and six since 2008. The lone disappointment, a loss to Waiakea in the 2011 semifinals, was sandwiched between two threepeats.
So for all the talented players Urs Leuenberger’s powerhouse has produced through the years, Deverse could leave as the winningest.
“I would be the only one (to win four),” said Deverse, who played as a reserve as a freshman and started as a sophomore before being injured.
For those thinking Kealakehe might take winning the BIIF for granted — the Waveriders haven’t lost a league game since Deverse’s freshman year — think again.
“We’ve won three in a row but never four,” Deverse said. “The goal is usually about (the HHSAA tournament). But this year we’re going for BIIFs and four in a row. That’s the main goal.”
Leuenberger never sweats the players he loses to graduation, and that’s still the case this season, even though Kealakehe must replace Keoni Yates, a rare two-time BIIF player of the year. Leading scorer Scott Henderson is also gone.
“I have the feeling that this team is better than the past year, just because the chemistry of the players,” Leuenberger said. “I see a way more tigher-knit group of players, and they can all truly play.”
He said Laukoa Santos, who was honorable mention all-BIIF last season, would essentially take over for Yates and fill his offensive role at center midfield.
“Pretty big shoes to fill,” Leuenberger said. “But you know what? He’s doing a great job.”
The Waveriders have only three seniors and their roster is at 19. That’s down from the normal 24-26, but Leuenberger thinks the lower number makes for a closer unit.
Considering how his first three BIIF seasons ended, it’s easy to see why Deverse is worry-free.
“Keoni was definitely a valuable player, but we still recover well and we can make connections,” said Deverse, who was first-team all-BIIF last season. “Scott was a beast, but we’ve got others who can step up.
“I’m not worried at all about being one of the only seniors. The past couple of years, the younger players have gotten a lot of experience.”
One of Leuenberger’s biggest concerns in the preseason was finding capable forwards who can finish. James Caudell will fill one spot, but the coach might be tempted to move away from a 4-5-1 if another player stands out.
“The depth at forward is not there yet,” Leuenberger said.
But this is Kealakehe, and the talent is usually there. Among the honorable mention all-BIIF returnees are Nicholas Joersz, a senior, Ari Mench, Jonah Palakiko and Josh Lopez.
Alex Grace-Double is primed to see time in the midfield, while promising freshman Matt Castro will play center fullback alongside Deverse.
“The best thing about Matt is he’ll be with us for four years,” Leuenberger said.
Junior goalkeeper Greyson Moore returns for his third season as starter after making first-team all-BIIF last season.
While Leuenberger hadn’t made up his mind who would play where after watching his team play in the preseason, it was clear he expected these matters to be figured out.
“We’re just picking up from last year,” Leuenberger said. “The boys are working hard and it’s going to be a fantastic season.”
As Deverse can attest to, it usually is at Kealakehe.