FRESHMAN WITH A FUTURE : KEOHOHOU, ONCE A YOUTH STAR, LEADS NEWBURY PARK.

Byline: Vincent Bonsignore Daily News Staff Writer

She hit .556 in her first 11 softball games with five doubles, five triples and 14 RBI. But don't expect Newbury Park High School freshman Oli Keohohou to start taking things for granted.

Despite posting numbers that would swell the heads of most freshmen, Keohohou is happy just pleasing her coach and teammates.

``I don't want to be just another player out there,'' Keohohou said. ``I want to be the sort of player that if I'm put into a certain situation, my team can expect me to make something happen.''

Keohohou's rise to prep stardom has been anticipated for some time, according to Panthers coach Pete Ackermann. She was a phenom in youth softball while leading three Newbury Park traveling teams to national championships.

The success has carried over with the Panthers (10-1, 2-0), who are in first place in the Marmonte League entering today's game against Thousand Oaks.

``I don't think we've had a hitter come along at Newbury Park with this much talent,'' said Ackermann, who is impressed with Keohohou's quick bat and patience. ``Very few players come to high school with as much hitting ability as this kid.''

While most expected her to become a high school star, Keohohou paid little attention to the adulation while climbing the youth ranks.

Instead, she convinced herself that there were players on her team who were better. That made her work harder in practice.

This year she's taken a similar approach. Despite the gaudy stats, she is more pleased to make good contact and successfully run the bases.

``And not making any dumb mistakes trying to stretch something,'' Keohohou said.

She realized there would be adjustments her first year. The pitching was better and the level of play higher. So she continues to work hard on and off the field.

She studies the Panthers' upcoming opponents as if they were fourth-period history tests. Who's pitching well? Who's the hottest hitter? Can the outfielders throw?

The intent is to be mentally prepared when she's steps on the field. After that, her natural ability takes over.

``I like to know what to expect,'' Keohohou said.

Although her offensive abilities stand out, Keohohou is also an excellent defensive player. She's primarily an outfielder, but she can also play in the infield and catch. And though she doesn't have blinding speed, she compensates with a strong arm and outstanding instincts.

``In terms of projecting a freshman that has a chance to play on the college level, she's probably the easiest projection to ever come through this community,'' Ackermann said.

A RISING STAR

Highlights from Newbury Park's Oli Keohohou freshman season:

Started with a 10-game hitting streak.

Had four RBI in her prep debut vs. Ventura.

Contributed two triples and two RBI in league opener vs. Royal.

Has a .944 slugging percentage while batting .556.

CAPTION(S):

Photo, Box

Photo: Freshman Oli Keohohou, a youth prodigy, is a budding superstar for the Newbury Park High School softball team.

Michael Owen Baker / Daily News

Box: A RISING STAR (see text)