'Making history once again': North High celebrates second straight state title with Duck Boat rally to downtown

WORCESTER — With one day remaining in the third month, the North High boys’ basketball team was honored for winning its second consecutive state championship.

Befitting the outpouring of community support the Polar Bears have received during their historic run, it was a big city celebration with a small town feel to it.

So the perfect way to recognize a band of brothers who staged a rally for the ages to defeat Franklin, 59-53, on St. Patrick’s Day in Lowell to cap a 24-0 campaign with their 45th consecutive victory.

“The bond that this team has is unlike any typical basketball team,” North principal Sam FanFan said on a sun-splashed Saturday afternoon during a pep rally behind City Hall. “They have experience of tragedy and triumph.”

Milestone repeated

The Polar Bears became the first public school from Worcester to win a Division 1 state championship a year ago.

Now they’re one of three Central Mass. teams to successfully defend their title, the others being Quaboag Regional girls (1985-86) and Oxford girls (1992-93).

Their winning streak — which includes an overtime victory versus Xaverian in the state semifinals made possible by two tying free throws by senior captain Teshaun Steele with 0.6 seconds remaining in regulation — is 11 shy of tying the state record set by Durfee from 1988 to ’91.

“That’s epic, epic,” coach Al Pettway said. “All they did was stay focused and continue to do what they’re capable of doing, which is playing basketball.

“I don’t think people understand. Going undefeated for 45 straight games is unheard of.”

But it isn’t just that the Polar Bears rarely lost while going back to back, it’s how they played with their heads and their hearts. They have been determined, driven, dedicated, and devoted.

Rarely would you see a player roll his eyes in exasperation. No incredulous looks when a call or a shot or a decision wasn’t to their liking.

No hanging of heads. No throwing up hands.

They respected their opponents, the officials and, perhaps most importantly, each other.

“Everyone expects us to be selfish, want-want-want,” senior captain Joe Okla said. “The key is just to stay humble, stay together, stay focused.

“And if someone is doing something they’re not supposed to, we have to bring them back together and remind them of what we’re doing and what we want to accomplish.”

The Polar Bears were focused, yes, but they never lost sight of the importance of staying loose and enjoying the ride.

They played for themselves, their coaches, support staff — that’s you, scorekeeper/team mom Anna Leto — teachers, classmates, friends, family and the community.

And, above all else, they played for Carl-Hens Beliard, dedicating the season to their former teammate who passed away from gunshots wounds Nov. 1.

“They didn’t talk about bragging on social media,” Pettway said. “They didn’t talk about our record. They didn’t talk about who had how many points or who didn’t do what. They didn’t do any of that.

“They just focused on what was important, which was winning the game and doing it for Carl. And I’m very proud of that.”

Rally down Shrewsbury Street

As was the case last year, a rolling rally departed North and made its way downtown, this time via Shrewsbury Street.

Coaches, players and others crammed into a Duck Boat provided by the Worcester Red Sox and hauled via flatbed by DiRenzo Towing & Recovery of Millbury. Behind them was another flatbed filled with North fans and about a dozen cars.

Six Worcester Police Department cruisers ensured a safe and speedy trip as the players listened, sang and danced to the likes of King Von (“Took Her to the O”), YoungBoy Never Broke Again (“In Control) and Lil Baby (“Low Down) while fans waved back from the roadside.

The Polar Bears were greeted by Jadakiss’ “The Champ is Here,” as they made their way to the steps of City Hall, where they were honored for their achievements as athletes and ambassadors.

“This has been a great two years,” Mayor Joe Petty said. “They energized the city of Worcester. … (And) I truly believe there were some interaction from Carl Hens-Beliard.”

Petty individually handed each player and coach a key to the city (made at Worcester Tech) and a proclamation from U.S Sen. Edward J. Markey that highlighted the team’s “toughness and togetherness” during a dominant and undefeated season.

On behalf of numerous city officials and entities, Petty presented the Beliard family with a proclamation honoring March 31, 2024, as Carl-Hens Beliard and North High Basketball Day.

“Back to back,” said junior Amir Jenkins, who earlier was named the Massachusetts MaxPreps Player of the Year and will matriculate to Worcester Academy in the fall. “Feels pretty good. Making history once again.”

Yup, this is their town.

—Contact Rich Garven at rgarven@telegram.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @RichGarvenTG.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Duck Boat rally to downtown celebrates North High's second straight state title