I live in West Linn. I drive past the high school every day on my way to work. And even as the Lions boys basketball team will play in the Les Schwab Invitational this week, I won't root for them.
Not because I need to stay objective. But because what this defending 6A state-champion basketball program now represents is troubling, and threatens to rip high school athletics apart at the seams.
I've seen the Lions roster for the tournament. I've met some of the players. I've studied the alarming flow of activity around the program. And what I've learned about the boys basketball program that won four straight 6A state basketball championships is this: West Linn High wants one for the thumb.