Unselfish and coachable. What more could any coach ask for?
Chris McLachlin ’64 never had to worry when it came to Perry Lam ’93, his point guard for four seasons and leader of the 1990 state title team as a freshman.
“The skills he possessed in basketball – great foot speed, great range from the 3-point area – just an amazing player,” McLachlin said. “It was like having another coach on the floor. Even as a freshman point guard, he got the guys to work together.”
Lam played all 32 minutes of the 1990 championship game at Blaisdell, his 12 points all coming on 3-pointers, in the 68 – 58 victory over Maui. The buff ’n blue added a second ILH title in Lam’s senior year, but were unable to win it all, upset by Aiea 39 – 38 in the state tournament semifinal. It was the top-seeded team’s only loss; Punahou finished 15-1 after defeating Hilo for third place.
As a senior, Lam was named the ILH Player of the Year and was named to his third all-state team. He also was a HHSAA Nissan Hall of Honor selection and a two-sport athlete, lettering in football as well. The versatile Lam played defensive back as a sophomore and junior, and quarterback as a junior and senior. As a junior, he shared time with senior Mike Maciszewski ’92 in a two-quarterback system that took advantage of Maciszewski’s arm and Lam’s elusiveness.
Lam went on to play basketball at Lewis & Clark College in Oregon, leading his team, as the starting point guard, to the final 16 of the NAIA District II national tournament during his senior season. He ranks No. 2 all-time in career assists (415) and No. 7 in career steals.