![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)
Hosting their last game of the regular season, the mens basketball team faced the Oregon City Pioneers for the second time this season to close off league play on Feb. 23.
Prior to the game, the team celebrated their senior night in recognition of Max Juhala, Nick DiGiulio, and Mitchell Rowe. Each player was met with applause as they walked with family across the court to be presented with flowers by Head Coach Robert Key.
Juhala has played in the program all four years of his high school career, consistently starting each game in his senior year on the varsity team. Juhala believes through his years at West Linn he has learned from various people in the basketball program.
“I remember when I played for Coach V my freshman year,” Juhala said. “It was a great program, and I’ve just developed as a player all my four years, and I’m glad I got to do it with them.”
The three seniors all had their own journeys but all completed the season together. Growing up in West Linn sports, this wasn’t the first time Juhala and Rowe have played with one another.
“I mean [Mitchell Rowe] and I have been playing together since we were fourth graders,” Juhala said. “He’s my guy.”
Going into the game, Oregon City was ranked 10th overall, with the Lions nine spots behind them. Previously, the team lost to the Pioneers by 12 points and have been battling for second place in the league since then.
Winning by two points to begin the second quarter, the team held their own to secure a 75—65 win and closed off the seniors final game at West Linn.
Coming off a four-point loss to fourth ranked Tualatin Timberwolves, the team had three losses in league play and 11 losses total. With eight losses in the team’s first 12 games, they have had to adjust and find ways to turn the season around.
“We fought through a lot of adversity at the beginning of the season,” Juhala said. “We would lose a lot of games, very close ones, but towards the end we started stepping up.”
The second half of the season marked a turning point in the team’s success, as they went on two winning streaks that consisted of four games each. The men’s basketball team lost three games during the second half of the season.
The team will travel to face number 15 ranked Jefferson High School in their first playoff game on Feb. 27. Tip-off will be at 7p.m.
