The first-place 3-on-3 team included (front row) Hope Van Brocklin, Jay "Jaybird" Colson, (back row) assistant coach Kathy Durkee, Katie Latham, Jaylon Brock, Brian McKrola, Charlie Fronapel, Coach Kim Joslin. Contributed photo

BEAVERTON – The Grant County Special Olympics team (AKA the Bears) traveled to Beaverton for a Feb. 4, three-on-three regional basketball competition. They were represented by Jay Colson, Jaylon Brock, Hope Van Brocklin, Katie Latham, Charlie Fronapel, and Brian McKrola.

The team won all three of its games, earning a gold medal.

In the first game, McKrola was the high scorer for the game. He hit a variety of jump shots but was particularly accurate from about 10 feet out and the defense could do nothing to stop him.

Fronapel, a new addition to the team this year, always seemed to be in the right place at the right time throughout the tourney. He displayed a knack both creating steals and dishing out assists.

Latham, a second-year player, connected on several turn-around jumpers.

Van Brocklin, new to the team this year, brought a new level of intensity to the team with passing and defensive skills. She also added the game-winning shot in game three, hitting from over 20 feet outside to complete the tourney sweep.

Benjamin Joslin competed in the individual skills competition and took home seventh place.

Joslin plans on doing much better at state, where he took home the gold last year.

Joslin has displayed marked improvement in overall skills but particularly in dribbling.

The team will head to Springfield for the State Tournament March 10-11.

“It’s going to be tough,” said Coach Joslin. “Because of our outstanding performance at regionals, we’ll be competing in the top division. We’ll be ready though.”