WORCESTER, Mass. - The North High School boy's basketball team is bringing home a Division 1 state championship to the city of Worcester. 

The Polar Bears beat Needham 73-64 Sunday night to win the title. The team finished the year with a 24-2 record, ending their season on a 21 game winning streak. The team is marking its page in the history books, becoming the first public school in Worcester to win a D1 state championship. 

Out of the 7,800 fans the Tsongas Center in Lowell holds, about 5,000 people showed up Sunday to cheer on North. The team said the support from the city pushed them across the finish line. 

"It didn't really hit me last night, it hit me this morning when I woke up," said junior Joe Okla. "I was like, 'wow, we are state champs.'"

"Yeah, I'm a little tired right now but still, I can't believe we won the state championship, so I'm just very happy and excited," said freshman Nalajah Christopher.

"It felt great to see the whole city come out and show love to us, it just felt amazing seeing everyone there," forward Teshaun Steele said.

On the court, head coach Al Pettway said he knew this team was something special at the start of the season. 

"I knew we had a special team, I knew we had the chance to do some great things," Pettway said. "They love each other, they are like brothers. On the back of the uniform it says unity and the other says family and that's how they treat each other. Just like a brotherhood, just like family. They take care of each other on the court as well as off the court. The chips had to fall in place and they did last night and we are the number one team in the state."

And off the court, North High principal Lisa Houlihan said players are just as impressive in the classroom. 

"You talk about student athletes, these kids are literally student athletes," Houlihan said. "They go to class every day, they carry great grade point averages, they do community service. If I need something done, 'what can I do to help you Mrs. Houlihan.' These are true student athletes and it's amazing. I'm so happy for them, it's just such a great lift for the school.

Houlihan said the plan is to honor the team with a parade. The team is also heading to the Celtics game Friday to celebrate.