Mustangs Gallop Into Tough Summer League Schedule

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In Kalaheo head baseball coach Tim Lierman’s view, there’s nothing like a 15-game summer schedule to bring a team of under-classmen together.

“Summer is huge for us,” Lierman said. “A lot of kids are going to get (varsity-level) game experience, which is what they need - to play in game situations and pressure situations.”

In the ultra-competitive Oahu Interscholastic Association Eastern Division, there is no shortage of “pressure situations.“The Mustangs finished 3-6-1 this spring in the East, but closed out the season strong, posting wins over Farrington and McKinley in two of their last three contests to gain some momentum heading into their current American Athletic Union League summer season.

Three sophomores were on that Mustang team, while only four seniors completed their eligibility, leaving Lierman with plenty of youth.

“During the last part of the season, the kids came together,” he said. “We’re definitely excited about next season. Most of our younger players are ‘baseball players,’ whereas before we had athletes coming out to play baseball. These young guys know the sport - they’ve been around it since they were young.”

Leading the way are center fielder Alika Kaanapu, short-stop/pitcher Richard Preva-Haynes and infielder/pitcher Sean Ouchie.

Kaanapu batted a team-best .370 during the spring and can cover a lot of distance in the out-field.“He made some plays this year in the outfield that shocked everyone in the ball park,” Lierman said of Kaanapu, who is 6-foot-4 and bats clean-up.“He has a good solid bat. He’s a great prospect.”

Kaanapu has battled through elbow injuries for much of his career and could be used more as a pitcher next spring if all goes according to plan.

“He has a lively arm,” Lierman added.

Preva-Haynes, who will be a junior, “is a baseball player,” the coach said. “He has a real strong arm, he gives us speed on the bases, and he’s a solid hitter. He was our No. 3 hitter (in the spring).

“Sean was up with us during most of the pre-season, and then we sent him down to the JV because we wanted him to be able to play more,” Lierman added.“He was one of our leaders on the JV team. He definitely brings personality and life to the team. He’s a tough, scrappy baseball player.”

Lierman is also expecting first baseman/pitcher Colby Lee, catcher Steven Vega and second baseman Kord Walls to have an impact this summer.

“Right now, defense is our strength. Our pitching is struggling a little bit, but our offense is coming around. They’re turning the corner.”

Lierman expects Kalaheo to have its full summer roster available this week. Five of the Mustangs had been busy with spring football during the past two weeks and were unable to attend baseball practices or games.

At the conclusion of its regular season, the AAU League will hold an eight-team playoff, beginning the first week of July. Kalaheo plays every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at various sites. (Schedule was unavailable at press time.)