2010 OSAA 6A Basketball Championships – A Metro Monopoly
2010 was the year the Metro League displayed its dominance in Oregon high school 6A basketball as all four teams vying for the state title in the the boys and girls championship games were from the Metro League. The Jesuit boys over-powered Westview 66-44 to win their third straight 6A title. The Jesuit girls faced Southridge in their championship game, but a first place finished eluded them once again has the Skyhawks claimed their fifth championship in as many appearances in the title game with a 48-37 victory. The Jesuit girls have finish second in each of their three 6A championship game appearances.
Garrett Jackson (right) of Westview goes up hard against Jesuit's Jordan Akwenuke (center) and Kyle Wiltjer (hidden) during the opening quarter of the OSAA 6A Basketball Championships.
Zane Yanzick of Jesuit glides in for a reverse layup at the tail end of a third quarter break-away.
Stephen Holt of Jesuit breaks between the defense of Westview's Michael Leunen (50) and Austin Kuemper (behind) as he drives the lane for two of his game high 23 points.
The Jesuit Crusaders celebrate their fourth state title in their seventh appearance in the championship game.
Elizabeth Brenner (left) of Jesuit wrestles Southridge's McKenzie Dalthorp (right) for a rebound during the opening quarter of the OSAA 6A Basketball Championships.
Aubrey Ashenfelter (left) of Southridge kisses the championship medal of teammate Allie Brock during the awards ceremony following the Skyhawk's 47-38 title victory over Metro League rival Jesuit.
Southridge head coach Michael Meek makes the final cut of the net during the awards ceremony after the Skyhawks won their fifth state championship title by defeating Jesuit 47-38.
Ashleigh Anderson (22) of Oregon City drives hard to the basket against South Eugene’s Jessica Shivers (23) late in the fourth quarter of the OSAA 6A Basketball Championships third place game.
Taylor Belmont (left) of Oregon City flies by South Eugene’s Jessica Shivers as she drives for a layup with 5:55 left in the fourth quarter.
Johanna Paine (left) and Brittany Knighton (right) of Oregon City attempt to wrestle the ball away from South Eugene’s Mackenzie Kerins during a first quarter scramble.
Let’s Hear It for the Boys
So I am shooting hoops at Beaverton High School...the Beavs versus Jesuit. The student section is decked out in a sea of orange as the night included a big fund raising effort for Make-a-Wish Foundation and, in part, Reser's Fine Foods donated food that was being sold and bucket loads of Reser's orange t-shirts. Since Reser's is a major supporter of the Oregon State Beavers, as in Reser Stadium, I could see how they might have a few extra orange t-shirts laying around. The atmosphere was more electric than your usual Friday night game. I just assumed it all had to do with the Beav's long standing rivalry with Jesuit, the excitement around the Make-a-Wish fund raising efforts or perhaps the magic that a few hundred donated orange t-shirts could do for student spirit.
Alas, it was when half-time came around when I understood why the energy was at such a peak level. The announcer started to introduce the half-time entertainment. As he started, the female students began screaming widely....it was like a 1960's Beatles concert. The noise was deafening. What was all the excitement about? Enter the "Rhythm Boys." For over 50 years the Beaverton High Rhythm Bees have performed precision dance routines at basketball games and numerous other events. The Rhythm Bees are a time honored tradition at the school...and have always been an all female squad. So, as I soon found out, the "Rhythm Boys" is an annual tribute that the BHS guys pay to the ladies and, at the same time, lift the school spirit up several notches.
Dressed in horrendously ridiculous self-designed costumes, the boys put on a great show. Their routine was surprisingly well rehearsed and fairly complex. I was amazed at how most of the lads stayed very much in character despite the over-the-top screaming coming from the crowd. The whole routine was hilariously funny and the boys put their all into it. Of course, the execution of the dance moves left lots to be desired, but no one was caring about that.
As fans cheer them on, the "Rhythm Boys" perform at half-time of the Beaverton vs Jesuit game.
"Rhythm Boys" dancers give it their all during their half-time routine to the delight of screaming, adoring fans.
The "Rhythm Boys" do their best to stay in synch during their precision routine.
Members of the BHS "Rhythm Boys" high-kick-it to the can-can.
After completing their routine, members of the "Rhythm Boys" and the BHS student body watch the guinine article perform...the BHS Rhythm Bees.