Coming into the 2011-2012 boys basketball season, many had chosen Lake Oswego as the frontrunner for the Three Rivers League title. However, the young, high-powered offense of the Lions looks to knock the Lakers off of  their pedestal.
On Jan. 27, the Lions battled the Clackamas Cavilers for a 51-43 victory. Mitch Cokley, senior, and Ryan Shearmire, sophomore, each had 16 points for the Lions.
In a renewal of the Battle of the Bridge, West Linn defeated rival Oregon City 83-60 on Jan. 20. Shearmire led the Lions with 24 points in addition to snatching 13 rebounds. Freshman standout Anthony Mathis chipped in 20 points.
“It felt great to beat our rival and finally show that West Linn is on the map,” Ty Cleland, sophomore guard, said. “We’re ready to make a run for league title and the Rose Garden.”
On Jan. 18, the Lions and the Lakers met at Lake Oswego High School. Both teams were ranked in top ten in state respectively (LOHS #2 and WLHS #6) and undefeated in the TRL.  In a thrilling overtime battle, the Lions pulled out a 63-60 victory over the Lakers. Cokley and Mathis led the way for the Lions in the scoring department scoring 16 points and 15 points respectively. This game boosted the Lions into a number four ranking in the state.
In their league opener, the Lions traveled to Lakeridge High School and defeated the Pacers 64-60. Mathis and Cokley again led the Lions in scoring; Mathis contributing 19 points and Cokley adding 17 points.