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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, March 21, 2010

Moanalua’s Tsutsui took control of midfield


Advertiser Staff

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Kelsey Tsutsui’s ability to keep possession of the ball was key to his success.

NORMAN SHAPIRO | The Honolulu Advertiser

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser
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Moanalua senior midfielder Kelsey Tsutsui was nearly "untouchable" on the field, leading the O'ahu Interscholastic Association Red East division in scoring with 10 goals.

Even from the midfield, Tsutsui was the only one in the division who scored a goal against every opponent, and was named the OIA Red East Player of the Year.

He had the ability to turn a game around with his knack for scoring goals or setting up for his fellow Nā Menehune, who scored a league-high 31 goals, 10 more than the nearest opponent.

"He's the best midfielder," said Nā Menehune coach Spencer Machado. "He's a player that was untouchable in the center. Once he gets the ball, nobody can take the ball away from him. He creates a lot of chances to score. His possession of the ball was a key factor in making him the Player of the Year. He controlled the whole center."

Forwards named to the first team were Joshua Amoroso, who led Kalāheo with five goals, and Roosevelt's Brad Pena and Kaiser's Jason Khamvongsa, who each scored three goals.

Joining Tsutsui in the midfield are Kalani's Mason Nakama, Kalāheo's Dong Woo Kim and Moanalua's Alex Colby.

In the back, Roosevelt's Nicholas Chang, Kalani's Kalai Maxilom, Castle's Troy Muraoka and Kalāheo's Cameron Bryan were named to the first team.

Roosevelt senior Jay Tsuruoka was the first-team goalkeeper after allowing a league-low 10 goals in the 12-game season.

Tsutsui, Nakama and Tsuruoka were first-team selections last season. Amoroso and Kim were second-team picks in 2009.

Machado and Kalāheo's John Nakagawa shared Coach of the Year honors.

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