![At the bottom of the third inning, the Lions are still scoreless. Rowe stands at home plate, preparing to bat, while Vandenbrink stands off to the side as the next batter up. Despite having the bases loaded, the team was unable to score any runs. “It’s just the beginning of the season. We’re just going to be playing out best by June, [and] that’s where champions are,” Rowe said.](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_3077-1200x900.jpg)
![All smiles. The group poses for a photo with last year’s book, “This is Our House,” along with their award for third Best in Show. Meikle, who was an Editor-in-Chief for the yearbook last year as well, holds both and stands at the center of the group. “That was an amazing feeling, going and grabbing the third place award,” Meikle said. “All of it paid off. I cried so much over that book, being able to receive [the award] was one of the highlights of my high school career, it was like the coolest thing ever.”](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/8bookpose_philly-1200x800.jpg)
Boys Basketball team vies for fourth straight state title
After winning three straight OSAA State Championships, West Linn’s (1-0, 0-0 Three Rivers League) boys varsity basketball team prepares for another season, potentially tying the record of four state championships in a row. Jesuit holds the current record of four straight state championships from 2009 through 2012.
“I’m really excited about this season,” Eric Viuhkola, Head Coach, said. “We have eight out of nine guys back. All of them have worked hard in the offseason and are extremely talented.”
Viuhkola doesn’t feel any pressure about winning four straight State championships.
“We don’t ever use the term ‘four peat’ or talk about the championship,” Viuhkola said. “We just focus on doing our best.”
“We try not to think about it,” Will Mathiessen, senior small forward, said. “We don’t feel too much pressure.”
Compared to other teams he has coached, Viuhkola is most excited about the current team. The Lions are participating in the City of Palms Classic tournament Dec. 18 in Southwest Florida. However, before the week long tournament, they faced Wilsonville on Friday.
“The whole team is excited,” Mathiessen said. “We haven’t played much yet.”
Mathiessen hopes to win the Les Schwab Bowl or the City of Palms Tournament. After defeating Wilsonville (1-1, 0-0 Northwest Oregon Conference) 72-56, the Lions prepare for their first tournament held at Liberty High school.
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