They look like an odd couple, all right, but when it comes to ‘Iolani soccer, K.J. Ahlo and Tim Leong are all in. Ahlo’s mastery with the ball and Leong’s prominence on the defensive side are just two reasons why the Raiders went an astounding 12-0 in ILH boys play. Coach Chris Lee and his staff fashioned together a strategy and chemistry that has been impeccable. ‘Iolani is poised to complete its amazing run when the state tournament kicks off next week. The Raiders have won eight state titles, including one in 2009 under Lee.

"That’s always your goal, to peak at the right time. Preseason was shorter this time, only four weeks instead of the usual seven weeks. It worked out better because it’s hard to keep them motivated just practicing against each other," Lee said.

The ‘One Team’ mantra is alive and well on campus. For the Raiders, it means adhering to a great defense, a highly effective passing game and using their best offensive weapons at the right time. Ahlo’s ability to control the ball is almost as key as his eight goals this season.

"K.J., he’s our leading scorer and also our leading assist player, so that in itself brings a lot to our success. Timmy’s been solid in the back. He’s good in the air and he’s a good leader," Lee said.

Ahlo’s talent has been developed from a young age. He was 4 when his dad, Keoni, began coaching him. At 11, it was time for a change.

"I had to let him go," Keoni said.

That led to play at elite levels locally and abroad.

"I got to learn a lot of different techniques because all the coaches are different," Ahlo said. "The coach who’s been there all my life is still my dad."

Next year, he’ll be playing for the University of San Francisco.

"They were the first school to show a lot of interest in me," said Ahlo, who went to a camp at the school, later visited with family and then returned for an official visit.

His ball skills are superb, even if your only chance to see him play is via YouTube videos. His dedication is matched only by his passion for the game.

"If I get the opportunity to go further than college, I’ll take that opportunity because it doesn’t come that often. If not, then I’d be OK. I love sports so much, I want to stay with that," said Ahlo, who is considering a career in physical therapy. "Anything to do with sports. I don’t think I can do without it."

With his dad, Ahlo has spent time coaching young players.

"Probably, maybe after everything settles down, when I get a little older, I definitely want to coach. That’s a lot of fun," he said.

The Raiders don’t have to look too far for stimulation and motivation. That’s what good team chemistry can do.

"We have a bunch of characters on the team, but it balances out pretty well," Leong said. "We have our jokesters, but everyone’s focused and realizes it’s about getting better every day. It comes down to the team, working as hard as we can to push toward our potential."

The senior class president with a 4.14 grade-point average is busy enough, but change has been undeniable. His grandfather, Paul Kennedy, passed away last summer. Paul was one of his role models, a grandpa who lived with Tim, brother Daniel and their mother. Paul and Rebecca were the grandparents at every match, watching quietly.

"He’d shout something every once in a while. He told a lot of funny jokes. He was witty," Tim said of grandpa, who died of lung cancer. "I miss him."

Tim spent Sunday at Alan Davis Beach and Portlock with his uncle, Keona Leong. They enjoy surfing and spearfishing, much like Tim’s late father, Kelii.

Keona’s brother was a young father and a branch manager at First Hawaiian Bank when he had a fatal heart attack at 33. Since then, it’s been Raquel raising the two boys with a big helping hand from family.

It’s all enough to drive a young man somewhere far away. Thankfully, Tim dove into his studies and sports. He began at ‘Iolani as a kindergartener and thrived in the classroom. The work ethic has not waned.

"I can push myself. The habits that you gain help you to continue to work hard as you get older," said Tim, who was accepted into USC recently but hopes to attend Stanford. "If you treat things like ‘oh this doesn’t really matter’ that can hurt you later on. I definitely got more focused from seventh grade on."

Though he hopes to attend Stanford and walk on to the water polo team — he was the ILH player of the year — USC might be a better fit for someone interested in the film industry. He’s taking a film class at ‘Iolani.

"I like making films. It’s just for fun. We’re just starting out, but it’s fun," he said.

On the pitch, he’s a 6-foot middle back, part of a defense that has permitted a mere six goals in league play. All the conditioning and weight training — and year-round club play — have made the Raiders a favorite to win the state crown.

"He’s doing a great job. We have so few goals scored on us because of our whole back line and him. They’re pretty solid," Ahlo said. "My job as an attacking mid is to score goals. My mentality is to score. If you don’t attack and score, you can’t win, but you can’t just attack all the time."

Ahlo is the general equivalent to a basketball point guard who can score often.

"When I find that space going forward, I do my best to attack and hopefully score. I’m not the slowest guy, but I’m not the fastest guy. My game is changing directions and using skill. If a guy’s catching up, I change directions."

It’s been about 40 years since ‘Iolani went unbeaten and untied in ILH action. Leong wants nothing more than to bring that beautiful koa trophy back to the Father Bray Athletic Complex.

"Obviously, we want to do more. The whole team wants a state championship," he said. "We’re definitely not satisfied yet."