![MORE THAN A GAME. With two diving catches in the outfield, the Lions showed up defensively, aiding in their victory over the Pacers. One catch was made by Atwood, and the other by McGraw. Throughout the game, the Lions knew that it wasn’t just about their victory today. “I think [playing for cancer] makes it bigger than just a game,” McGraw said. “Knowing that you have a bigger impact in this world than just who you are as one person.”](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/I70A1454-1-1200x800.jpg)
![Students in the National Art Honor Society work on the Mount Hood mural on the window of SouthLake Church. The students brought a variety of paints and mixed their own custom colors. “Instead of brushstrokes, we’re doing more dabbing, because it gives [a] better impression of tree foliage, rather than looking like actual brush strokes, because if we’re painting trees, we need it to look like trees,” Crawford said.](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/IMG_2397-1200x900.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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![MORE THAN A GAME. With two diving catches in the outfield, the Lions showed up defensively, aiding in their victory over the Pacers. One catch was made by Atwood, and the other by McGraw. Throughout the game, the Lions knew that it wasn’t just about their victory today. “I think [playing for cancer] makes it bigger than just a game,” McGraw said. “Knowing that you have a bigger impact in this world than just who you are as one person.”](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/I70A1454-1-600x400.jpg)
