Warriors knock off AOP, 68-54; returns to title game


Kamehameha forward Micah Christenson puts up a shot over AOP's Micah Dunhour. Brien Ing | SL
Playing like a man determined to avenge last year's title loss, Micah Christensen scored 28 and grabbed 19 rebounds and Kamehameha knocked off Academy of the Pacific, 68-54, Friday night in a semifinal of the Hawaiian Airlines Division I state boys' basketball tournament at the Stan Sheriff Center.

The Warriors will try to reclaim their 2009 title in a rematch of last year's championship, when they lost a heart-breaker, 46-43, on Kainoa Chu's 3-pointer with 4.6 seconds left.

"That's pretty much of what I expect from Micah," Kamehameha coach Jesse Nakanishi said. "Twenty-eight (points) and 19 (rebounds), I believe. That's unreal numbers to start off with. But all the other stuff, I'm the one really talking about that. No one sees the credit for that stuff. With the game over, he's still diving on the ground (for loose balls). All those intangibles he brings is priceless."

The versatile Christensen also led his team with three steals and had a blocked shot. He also was 4 of 7 from 3-point range.

The game started off close, changing leads six times in the first quarter. But the Warriors used a modest 11-0 run from the end of the first to the start of the second quarters to overtake the Dolphins, who trailed 34-16 at the half and could not make up the deficit.

Once again, the Warriors got help off the bench with Shane Matayoshi, who was second on the team with 13 points, including 3-of-4 shooting from beyond the 3-point line.

The Dolphins had three players score in double digits. Dave Vienna led the way with 14 points while Micah Dunhour followed with 12 and Kona Makaula added 11.

The Warriors seemed focus on avenging last year's loss to 'Iolani, denying Kamehameha of a repeat. The Warriors and Raiders split their regular-season home-and-home series.

"Last year still haunts me and us," Nakanishi said. "That's what's been on our mind. All we want to do is get back to that championship game and get back that championship from two years ago.

"We're excited. Our boys deserve all what they have right now. They've given me everything this year."


Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at [email protected].