6-foot-6 senior solidified middle, helping Mustangs claim a share of the title

On a Kalaheo team with several tall, high-flying hitters, senior Tyler Caswell was the steady force in the middle.

Caswell, a 6-foot-6 middle blocker, anchored that crucial spot and was a reliable weapon who helped the Mustangs go 11-1 and share the O'ahu Interscholastic Association East Division I championship.

For his steady presence, Caswell was named OIA East DII Player of the Year in a vote of league coaches.

Roosevelt led the way with three all-star first team selections: seniors Kyle Maki and Jordan Murakami, and junior Kaina Palama.

Kaimuki senior Beau Albrechtson, Castle senior Jesse Keala Aulelava, Kalaheo senior Timothy Moyer and McKinley senior Rommel Vargas round out the first team.

Palama is the only repeat first-team selection. Vargas was selected as a setter, and Maki made it as a libero.

Roosevelt's Kaui Mendonca repeated as Coach of the Year. With only one player over 6 feet, the Rough Riders went 11-1 and shared the East crown.

Roosevelt went on to win its first OIA boys championship since 1980.

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.