For the first time the seniors of the MHS boys' basketball team can say that they beat their rivals, the Newberg Tigers, and they can say they did so handily. The Grizzlies find themselves in a three-way tie for first in the Pacific conference with Newberg and Tualatin after beating the Tigers 84-62. The win at the Furnace Tuesday night in front of an enormous crowd puts the Grizzlies in a two game winning streak as well.

"I still can't really believe it," said senior wing Alex Geelan.. At the end of the game, everyone seemed to have a sense of euphoria, including the student section and the parents.

"It's one of the best feelings ever," said Burke.

The Grizzlies started out strong when senior starting point guard Michael Burke allyooped it to senior Connor White. After the first quarter, the defense continued their intensity and the offense started to fire on all cylinders. After going into halftime with a decent lead the boys came out of the locker room red hot from three point land.

"We hit five back to back trays. That's 15 points in five possessions. That's tough to beat," said Burke.

"I knew that if I had the ball and I was open it was going in, said Geelan.

"We didn't miss shots tonight," said junior Drew Wickman. "Everyone seemed to be feeling it; it was just a matter of who was going to pull the trigger."

Geelan, who made several shots from downtown, and Wickman, who posted up several times, were essential to the Grizzly offense.

"It's the best game we've ever played," said Geelan.

"We were extremely prepared for this game," said Burke. "We've had this game marked on our calendar since the loss at Newberg."

 Junior Zev Egli and senior Brandon Jones were most noted for their incredible defensive plays. At one point Egli intercepted a pass and kept the possession in favor of the Grizzlies, during an important time late in the game.

"We hit our shots, we played good defense, and we were patient - really patient on offense," said senior Michael Lee.

The Bears played their game on Tuesday night; they played within themselves, and it led to a great result. One thing the Grizzlies know they can't do is let the win go to their heads.

"Right now we're enjoying the moment, but we're going to keep working hard and concentrate on our next opponent," said Geelan.

The score of 84 points is a season high for the Grizzlies, and something they haven't come close to reaching in past games.

"If one guy knocked down shots, another guy would knock down shots. It's just contagious," said Burke.

The atmosphere at the game was extremely positive and there was an overall feeling of energy. The student section took it to the few, but proud, Newberg fans that dared to show at the Furnace.

"That crowd was the greatest roaring sea of fire I've ever seen in my life," said Burke. What Burke enjoyed perhaps the most was the end when the pep band and the crowd joined in to sing farewell to their rivals.

The feel good times of Tuesday night made Burke reminisce about one of his favorite movies as a child.

"We were like the toon squad in Space Jam and we drank Michael Jordan's magic juice and we sent the Monstars back to Moron Mountain," said Burke.

The non-seniors of the team knew how important this game was for the seniors, and were inspired to get the win.

"This one was for the seniors," said Wickman.

The Grizzlies now control their own destiny. By winning the last five games of the season, the Bears will be crowned league champions, and the final round of league play starts at home tomorrow against Forest Grove. Fans can expect to be in for another fine effort from the boys' team. Remember, to wear all black on Friday for the blackout.

"We're coming in on Friday with the blackout session ready to ball up," said Lee.