It was the first game of the year, and Grant was looking for validation. Grant was facing perennial power Jesuit at home, intent on proving that their #1 ranking statewide was no fluke. Both teams started slow, but after several possessions Grant's Mike James got loose on a fast brake. James, a 6 foot 1 inch guard, threw down a powerful one-handed dunk that fired up his teammates and fans alike. Grant went on to win 60-47, setting the tone for what they hoped to be a special season.

It is fitting, than, that Grant's season should end much the same way. With seconds remaining in the OSAA 6A championship game against Oregon City, James grabbed a rebound and drove the length of the court for another slam, sending the Grant student section into pandemonium and clinching Grant's first basketball championship in 20 years. The ensuing celebration on Macarthur Court following Grant's 63-56 win was indicative of a school that had finally broken through to victory following so many near misses. In the fall season alone, Grant's football team finished 3rd, its men's cross country team finished 3rd, and men's soccer team placed 2nd. But in this sport, in this game, Grant was not to be denied.

Grant was led by the three-pronged attack of Seniors James and Paul McCoy and junior Mike Moser all year, and all three showcased their abilities in the final. Moser led the team with 20 points and 13 rebounds, including several key tip-ins in the 4th quarter and solid defense on Oregon City center Sammy Schafer. McCoy scored 13 points while battling against Oregon City star Brad Tinsley, making several key baskets down the stretch. James' 17 points were full of highlights, including back-to-back three pointers in the 1st half and the final dunk.

Grant was also aided by a strong showing from their supporting cast. Daniel Collins had eight points and three rebounds off the bench, Josh Hardin energized the team with relentless hustle and effort, Kenneth Acker and Andre Broadous helped key Grant's strong second-half defensive effort, and Michael Fendall hit the only shot he attempted all game, a three-pointer.

In the end, Grant's overall team effort was too much for an Oregon City team reliant upon only two players, Schafer and Tinsley. The two combined for 51 of the Pioneer's 56 points and kept Oregon City close all game, but clutch free throws by Collins and Moser in the final minute helped extend Grant's lead to a comfortable margin. All that was left to be decided was the final score, and James' dunk unleashed the celebration.