The free rein to hit from anywhere on the floor is still a learning process for Hawai'i Baptist's Ryan Leung.

But his ability to put down balls from any location, particularly the back row, has played a big part in the Eagles' success.

Leung, a 6-foot-3 junior, had 13 kills last Tuesday to lead Hawai'i Baptist to a 27-25, 18-25, 25-19 win over then-No. 1 'Iolani an Interscholastic League of Honolulu volleyball match.

Hawai'i Baptist, last year's state Division II champion, has beaten ILH Division I teams Kamehameha and 'Iolani in league play this year, and took Punahou to three sets before losing.

"Last year, he was our outside (left-side hitter)," Hawai'i Baptist coach Teoni Obrey said. "This year, we felt that we needed to move him to the opposite (right side) just so he can attack from the back row and free him up.

"Last year, we were left-side heavy. This year, we can go pin to pin."

Leung had two kills and teamed for a block with Kyle Barretta to help Hawai'i Baptist build a 14-11 lead in the third set against 'Iolani. He later had a kill out of the back row to extend the lead to 17-12.

"If we do have a go-to player, it's definitely him," Obrey said. "When our setter is in front, it allows us a third viable option. He's able to score a lot of points from that position, not many teams in high school will do that."

Learning to play all aspects of the game is still process, and there were initial adjustments to the new role. Last year, Leung played only at outside hitter and a teammate played for him in the back row.

"He has a great attitude, he's always looking to get better," Obrey said. "He's looking to play at the next level. He's willing to do whatever it is for the team and whatever needs to be done to get his skill level better. If his options are to play at the next level, he needs to be an all-around player."

While Leung and Branden Kaneshiro receive the bulk of the sets, Obrey said it's been a total team effort of 15 players who "all accept their roles and believe in each other."

"He (Matthew Lui) sets the ball amazingly, he puts the ball where our hitters can put the ball away," Leung said after Tuesday's match. "Even when there's a bad pass, he'll still get the hitters good sets."

Added Obrey: "It helps when your leaders are team players. The chemistry is great."