Posted at 8:23 p.m., Thursday, February 15, 2007
Academy of the Pacific qualifies for state hoops play
By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer
The Dolphins' reward, after tonight's 56-43 victory over Hanalani at McCabe Gym, is a first-ever Division II state tournament berth.
"It feels good, Išm excited for everybody at AOP," said sophomore guard Keoni Daniel, who finished with a game-high 21 points yesterday. "Last year, we played around too much at practice, but this year we're more intense."
The Dolphins (12-5) finished fourth in the Interscholastic League of Honolulušs Division II regular season, behind Punahou, University High and Hawai'i Baptist. But Punahou, because it also has a Division I team, does not qualify for the Division II state tournament.
UHS and HBA earned automatic state berths as the top two qualifiers. AOP and Hanalani reached yesterday's third-place tournament final to determine the league's third state berth.
This is the inaugural year for the Division II state tournament.
