On Tuesday, January 30th, the Napavine Boys Basketball team had its one league matchup of the season with Adna High School. Senior Boys Basketball player James Grose entered Tuesday night with 1,993 career points in High School Varsity action. A capacity crowd was in attendance for the rivalry game and a chance to witness a milestone that is rarely achieved.
A sign in the gymnasium could be found on the baseline of the Tigers basket, equipped with a count-up feature that started with 1,993 and went to 2000, which was being tracked by the cheerleaders. A steal and a fastbreak dunk with an Adna player chasing close behind put James at 1,999! The basket that was needed to start the celebration came with 1:32 to play in the first quarter. On a possession with James at the top of the key, driving to the lane through three opposing players, then leaping into the air, windmilling the ball away from chasing defenders, to sink a left-handed layup. The basket put theTigers up 22-6, then the buzzer sounded to signal the milestone achievement!
The game was then halted so head coach Rex Stanley could present James with a commemorative ball in a glass case at mid-court. Everyone that entered the gym was also given a sign that read "2000" on it, which they held up during the celebratory pause. After James took in the applause for a brief moment, he was ready to carry on with the game. The boys went on to win 79-45 to remain a perfect 18-0 on the season, with one game left. James finished with a game high 28 points and the team is going to finish as the Central 2B League Champions.
