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North High's mock trial team wins trip to state competition North Medford High School's mock trial team is on its way to the state competition after a victory in Medford Saturday. North won over Ashland, Phoenix and Roseburg in the area competition, in which student teams take turns presenting for the defense and prosecution in a make-believe case. This year's involved a president of a coed fraternity on trial in the hazing death of a pledge. Teams prepare for both sides, as they don't know in advance which side they'll portray when their turn comes up, said Jane VanDeZande, a North Medford English and history teacher who organizes the team. Local attorneys Ben Bloom and Jim Wallan also donate their time to coach North students, VanDeZande said. The contest is valuable in teaching public speaking and critical thinking skills, VanDeZande said, and at least half the North team is interested in a law career. North's team, which consists of one junior, 11 sophomores and one freshman, will travel to the contest at the Multnomah County Courthouse on March 12 and 13. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA