On February 28, 2017, North High students and community experience something they haven’t in 26 years. The boys Varsity team took on the Ankeny Hawks at Dallas Center Grimes High School and came out victorious with a 20 point lead. The Polar Bears brought home the win, the game ending in 88-68.

A high scoring game developed from the phenomenal teamwork the boys produced while playing on offense. After the half, Jal Bijiek, senior, sinks in two back-to-back 3-pointers and finishes with 23 points taking the team to State. As the clock dwindled down, the crowd was on their feet cheering on the boys until the last second. Tears of joy from coaches, teammates and the North High community filled the gym floors as the team is presented with a State qualifier banner.

The boys basketball coach, Chad Ryan, has been coaching at North for the past eight years and won his 100th game this season, the team wanted to advance to the state tournament for him. Over the years, the Polar Bears couldn’t get past the second round of substate, but with the team dynamic and hard work they have been able to achieve it; it got them a spot in the State Basketball Tournament bracket.

The feeling of winning for the team and the community was more than just excitement, it was breathtaking and unbelievable, which brought everyone together. No matter if they were a student, alumni or parent, everyone was proud to be a Polar Bear.

NORTH (88) – G.Bijiek 4, Deng 8, J. Bijiek 23, Malual 13, Locure 20, Myles 10, McCaleb 10.

Also played- Cavan.

Gallery • 19 Photos

Jasmine Inthabounh

The team prepares the play against the Ankeny Hawks with a chant to pump them up.