With a rare combination of power and grace, 'Iolani's Breland Almadova helped the Raiders elevate to the top this past year in football and baseball.

Almadova established himself as a varsity player in both sports as a sophomore, then won ILH all-star first-team honors in baseball as a junior.

But he fully blossomed as a senior, earning a spot on The Advertiser's Division II Football All-State first team as a defensive back and helping 'Iolani repeat as DII state champion with an interception and dazzling 67-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the title game.

Almadova's football talent was recognized beyond Division II, as he was invited to play in the inaugural Hawai'i/Polynesia vs. Mainland Bowl pitting standout players with Hawai'i ties against an elite team of Mainland all-stars.

In baseball, Almadova was named ILH Player of the Year after putting together one of the most productive all-around seasons in recent league history. A smooth-fielding center fielder, he batted .461 with four doubles, two triples, nine home runs, 34 RBIs, 33 runs scored, six stolen bases, nine walks and a .921 slugging percentage.

He also went 2-0 with four saves and a 0.39 ERA as a relief pitcher to help the Raiders go 19-4 and win their first ILH championship since 1997 and first state tournament berth since 2000.

Off the field, Almadova maintained a 2.8 cumulative grade-point average and made the school's Headmaster's List (3.5 or higher) in the third quarter of this year.

He also participated in 'Iolani's community service "I Club" for athletes, the school choir, and was a volunteer mentor for the Catholic Youth Ministry in East O'ahu.

Almadova will attend the University of Hawai'i in the fall on a partial baseball scholarship, with plans to major in business administration.