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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, March 28, 2009

Hard work pays off for Rams' Lee

By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Radford's Derrell Lee II led his team to a 9-3 record.

NORMAN SHAPIRO | The Honolulu Advertiser

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Wayne Keys

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After putting in the time and work throughout the offseason, Radford High School senior Derrell Lee II was rewarded with top honors in the postseason.

Lee, a 6-foot-1 all-around threat, was named O'ahu Interscholastic Association Red Conference Western Division Player of the Year by league coaches.

"He had a real good season, and it goes back to all the work he did in the offseason — going into the gym and the weight room," said Radford coach Wayne Keys. "Coming down the stretch, his conditioning paid off and he had a great run. He deserves this (recognition)."

Lee was listed as a forward, but Keys said he contributed at all five positions.

"He was up for the challenge," Keys said. "He could stick with guards, and also with centers who were bigger than him."

Lee is joined on the OIA Red West all-star first team by fellow Rams guard Quentin Kimura, Campbell guard Zachary Manuel, Mililani guard Nick Demusis and Campbell forward Patrick Ward.

Kimura is a 5-7 senior, Manuel a 5-7 senior, Demusis a 6-3 senior and Ward a 6-4 senior.

Kimura was an explosive scorer for Radford.

"He and Derrell were strong leaders," Keys said. "As seniors, they worked so hard at everything."

Manuel, a quick open-court player and dangerous shooter, and Ward, an athletic post, helped the Sabers finish tied for first with Mililani at 10-2.

Demusis, a strong leaper who could score from all angles, helped lift the youthful Trojans to a share of the West title.

Keys was named Coach of the Year after guiding the Rams to a 9-3 regular-season record and eventual state tournament berth.

Read his blog on high school sports at http://preptalk.honadvblogs.com.

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.

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