Red Devils Outlast Thunderbirds 61-58 to Reach 1st Title Game Since 2010
PASCO, Wash. - The Lower Columbia Red Devils earned their spot in the championship game with a 61-58 win over Highline in the Final Four of the 2025 NWAC Men's Basketball Championship presented by Golf Universe, on Saturday evening at Columbia Basin College.
The Red Devils earn their first trip to the championship game since 2010 and the first in the Mickey Polis era. LCC's last title came in 2005 as second win as part of a back-to-back title run.
Saturday's contest between region rivals went down to the wire as the Red Devils held off Highline's last chance shot at the buzzer to tie the game. The Thunderbirds got two opportunities to tie the game with under 30 seconds. After a missed shot and foul with 10 seconds to play, the Red Devils missed a pair of free throws that gave the Thunderbirds one last chance, but with no timeouts. Scrambling up the floor, the last ditch effort came up short as LCC celebrated to go onto the title game on Sunday.
The first quarter of the game between Lower Columbia and Highline saw a competitive exchange, with Highline leading 28-26 by the end. Initially, Highline took control with a strong 10-0 run, highlighted by Cooper Aitken's scoring, including a dunk at 14:51. LCC struggled early but made a late push, narrowing the gap with contributions from James Grose, who nailed a three-pointer with just three seconds left in the quarter. The Thunderbirds maintained their slim lead through consistent scoring, despite LCC's late 13-6 surge in the final minutes.
Lower Columbia gained an early lead in the second quarter with a series of successful plays, including layups by Kap Laila and Malik Brown, which contributed to a 33-30 advantage at 17:25. Highline fought back to tie the score at 33 a piece with three consecutive free throws by Keaine Silimon at 17:05. Malik Brown's consistent performance, highlighted by successful free throws, helped the Red Devils extend their lead to 55-48 with 4:47 left. Despite a late push by Highline, including a three-pointer by Isaiah Vargas with 27 seconds left, the Red Devils maintained their lead and secured a 61-58 victory for the quarter.
Malik Brown showcased his all-around ability as the point guard with 13 points, six rebounds and two steals. James Grose was effective from beyond the arc, sinking three 3-pointers as he led the team with 15 points. David Young demonstrated versatility by leading the team with four steals and five assists, while also adding 12 points. Kap Laila was strong defensively, registering four steals and three blocks, while scoring eight points and collecting five rebounds.
Cooper Aitken led the Thunderbirds with a standout performance, scoring 14 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field, adding seven rebounds despite being limited to 24 minutes due to foul trouble. Isaiah Vargas was a key defensive presence, securing eight rebounds and two steals while adding nine points to the scoreboard. Ian Prictor made a notable impact with 10 points and an impressive eight rebounds, contributing both offensively and defensively. Rylan Donovan also delivered a solid performance, scoring nine points and adding five rebounds, along with three assists.
Highline played strong defense against LCC throughout the game, limiting them to 35.1 percent shooting overall. But turnovers and fouls caught up to the Thunderbirds as they had a 19-11 disadvantage in turnovers and 18-8 in personal fouls. Lower Columbia forced many turnovers with 13 steals on the game and knocked down 16-of-22 free throws.
LCC heads to the championship game as they will face the No. 4 seed from the South Region in the Southwestern Oregon Lakers on Sunday at 4:45 p.m. at Holden Court.