Friday, April 11, 2008

The Four-tunes of Two

In high school sports, every athlete's dream is to win a state championship. Few are able to realize such a dream during their four years of high school competition. It is actually just a select few that get a chance to play at the varsity level more than two years, so to be so fortunate to win more than one state championship is beyond most athlete's comprehension. So imagine what it is like to win four state championships during your high school career. And not just ride the pines the first couple of years, but to step on the court in year one and be an integral component your school's first championship title, and over the next three years become the team's heart and soul, team leaders and two of the top players in the state.

Meet Alex Earl and Michelle Jenkins of Southridge High School in Beaverton, Oregon.

As seniors this year Alex and Michelle tapped off their remarkable high school careers with their fourth straight OSAA 6A Basketball Championship for Southridge by defeating Oregon City 49-43. Alex is a quick play-making guard who is comfortable running the team's offense, is tenacious on defense and has no fear when it comes to putting up pressure shots from outside. Alex's talents will be very much appreciated at Arizona State University starting next Fall. The University of Southern California will be the beneficiaries of Jenkins' powerful play at the low post and seemingly never ending work rate. It was four fabulous years for two phenomenal players.


Alex Earl (left) and Michelle Jenkins (right) celebrate during the OSAA
6A Basketball Championship game against Oregon City.


Alex Earl works the ball against Central Catholic's Chelsey Christensen
during Southridge's 39-24 OSAA 6A semi-final victory.


Alex Earl takes her turn during the ceremonial cutting of the net following
her team's fourth straight OSAA 6A Championship title.


Michelle Jenkins Jenkins drives against Central Catholic's Courtney Flynn
during the OSAA 6A semi-final game.


Michelle Jenkins works the low post against Oregon City's Lindsey Shearer
during the OSAA 6A Championship game.