These Dolphins are learning to win the close ones, all right.
Academy of the Pacific took a late four-point lead on Micah Dunhour’s 3-point bomb and held on for dear life in a 46-43 victory over No. 1 Kamehameha yesterday at the ‘Iolani Classic.
Dunhour, a 6-foot-5 senior, came through in the nick of time, in the midst of a furious Kamehameha press. The Dolphins (9-2 overall) turned the ball over three more times in the final 2 minutes and nearly threw away a great effort.
The Warriors (8-2), however, misfired from the field despite 17 points by last year’s co-player of the year, Micah Christenson. A block by Moritz Krume was a key defensive stop, and David Daniels hit helped with a free throw in the final seconds.
Daniels’ free throw gave AOP a 46-43 lead. He hit a second foul shot, but Krume — far more familiar with the international rule that allows for immediate entry into the lane — was whistled for a lane violation.
That gave the Warriors a shot down the stretch, but they missed and the Dolphins had their first-ever win over a No. 1-ranked basketball team. Moving up from Division II to D-I in the rugged Interscholastic League of Honolulu, AOP is clearly in contention for the league crown, as are defending state champ ‘Iolani, Punahou and last year’s state-tourney runner-up, Kamehameha.
AOP resumes league play tomorrow against Damien.
More later on AOP’s historic win, including video interviews with Coach Walter Marciel, Dunhour, Krume and Daniels.
Paul Honda, Star-Advertiser
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