Kamehameha's Micah Christenson has been named the 2009-10 Gatorade Hawai'i Boys Basketball Player of the Year.

The award recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the court. Christenson becomes a finalist for the Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year award to be announced this month.

The 6-foot-5 junior led the Warriors (26-7) to the Division I state championship game, averaging 16.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.9 steals, 2.2 assists and 1.7 blocks per game.

He scored 23 points and had 11 rebounds in the 46-43 Division I state championship game loss to 'Iolani.

Also a standout volleyball player, Christenson has maintained a 3.43 GPA. He has volunteered locally as a youth basketball instructor and by visiting ailing children at a hospital.

"He's the best player in the state," said Alika Smith, head coach of rival Punahou School. "He's athletic, and he's 6-foot-5. He can shoot, put the ball on the floor and finish at the rim. He likes to play inside, but he can go outside. He's slender, but he's stronger than he looks. He does it all."