After a vote by Interscholastic League of Honolulu Division I boys basketball coaches that was as close as the championship race itself, Kamehameha's Micah Christenson and 'Iolani's Kainoa Chu were named ILH Co-Players of the Year.

Christenson, a 6-foot-5 junior forward, followed a sensational sophomore campaign with an even better junior season. He established himself as the league's most talented all-around threat, contributing every night with scoring (in the post, from the perimeter and in transition), rebounding, blocked shots, steals and assists — along with breaking presses and overall leadership.

Chu, a 6-foot senior guard, was a clutch scorer who came up big for the Raiders in a season of tight games.

He scored 21 points in a crucial second-round victory against Punahou, including the game-winning layup with 5.2 seconds remaining, and had game-highs of 25 and 16 points against Kamehameha.

The three teams finished the regular season tied for first place, forcing a two-game playoff which 'Iolani won after a 50-49 win over Kamehameha at the buzzer.

Christenson and Chu are joined on the ILH DI all-star first team by 'Iolani senior point guard Andrew Skal-man and junior wing Trevyn Tulonghari, Punahou sophomore posts DeForest Buckner and Malik Johnson, and Kamehameha sophomore guard Dyrbe Enos.

Skalman was a steady leaderand hard-nosed defender, while Tulonghari was a threat to score from the perimeter or on drives to the basket. Buckner and Johnson often dominated near the basket, helping the Buffanblu to a runner-up finish.

Enos was a dangerous 3-point shooter who helped the Warriors survive through a key injury in the backcourt.

'Iolani's Dean Shimamoto was named Coach of the Year after his first season at the helm. He replaced Mark Mugiishi, who had won 463 games, including a record seven state titles in 20 seasons.

Read his blog on high school sports at http://preptalk.honadvblogs.com.