Micah Christenson has emerged as king of Kamehameha’s court after helping lead the Warriors to consecutive state championship game appearances in both basketball and volleyball over the past two seasons.

Now he has the luxury of deciding which sport to pursue at the next level.

The 6-foot-6 senior has already committed to the University of Southern California to play volleyball for a squad that enters this season as one of the preseason contenders for the national championship.

As the son of two stellar athletes — his parents Robert and Charlene excelled at basketball and volleyball, respectively, while at the University of Hawaii-Hilo — Christenson has a wealth of knowledge and experience at his disposal.

Over the summer, Christenson played volleyball with the U.S. Junior National Team, and competed against top-notch international foes. He was named "Best Setter" at the NORCECA Men’s Junior Continental Championship held in Gateneau, Quebec, and helped his squad claim the title while also qualifying for the 2011 FIVB Men’s Junior World Championship — all accolades that put Christenson on track to one day compete for a spot on the Olympic team, most likely for the 2020 Games.

"Volleyball provided me with a lot more opportunities college-wise with the merits of academics," Christenson said. "Basketball was my first sport for the majority of my life, but after playing volleyball (competitively starting in the seventh grade), the Division I colleges started showing an interest."

And, while his exploits on the volleyball court have netted the Warriors state runner-up finishes in each of the past two seasons to perennial power Punahou, Christenson has been just as solid on the basketball court.

"He is a once-in-a-generation player," said Kamehameha basketball coach Jesse Nakanishi of Christenson’s overall ability as a player and leader. "He’s the type of player like Kobe or Jordan: He makes everybody around him better. He’s the quintessential team leader."

Christenson has contributed to Kamehameha’s resurgence as one of the state’s top hoops programs. He was used sparingly as a freshman as the Warriors rounded up fifth place in the 2008 state tourney, and played a more vital role the following year in teaming with all-state player of the year Pi’i Minns in guiding Kamehameha to its first state title since 1992 with a 47-45 victory over Kahuku.

The performance garnered Christenson a spot on the all-tournament team, and showcased his ability to bang inside with the physical Red Raiders en route to pulling down five rebounds and blocking three shots, while also showcasing his shooter’s touch in notching 11 points on 4-for-8 shooting from inside the 3-point line.

"That was his coming out party, he was the missing link for us getting over that hump," Nakanishi said. "Now, he has us competing for a state championship every year. Last year and this year, we’re riding on his back. He scores, he rebounds, he feeds our fast break; he does everything for us."

Christenson elevated his game yet again in last season’s state title game, pouring in 23 points on 9-for-18 shooting while grabbing a game-high 11 boards. The then-junior was again named to the all-tournament team, but the Warriors fell just short of repeating as champions in a 46-43 defeat to Interscholastic League of Honolulu foe ‘Iolani.

"It was tough being so close, a matter of one play," Christenson said. "It was tough to swallow, but it fueled me personally. We were so close, we could taste it. We want to go after that again."

On Saturday, Christenson dropped a game-high 17 points to help lead the top-ranked Warriors over No. 3 Punahou, 42-39. The win bumped Kamehameha’s overall record to 6-0, and improved its Interscholastic League of Honolulu mark to 2-0. After averaging 25 points and 15 rebounds per game in the Warriors’ four nonconference victories to begin the season, it’s apparent that any hopes of clinching a second state crown in three years will run through Christenson.

"All around, his IQ of the game, he’s like another coach on the floor," Nakanishi said. "He’s been a great kid to be around, and it’s been a pleasure to see him develop into the great young man he is today."