Cardinals Use 23-0 Start to Roll Past CBC 91-58
PASCO, Wash. — Skagit Valley (27-3, 12-2) secured a commanding victory over Columbia Basin (14-15, 7-7) 91-58 in Game 5 of the 2026 NWAC Men's Basketball Championship, presented by ICCU, on Thursday at Columbia Basin College.
SVC's defense was formidable, recording 14 steals and 7 blocks, while holding the Hawks to 32 percent shooting. The Cardinals' offense was lights out as they shot 59.3% from the field.
Skagit Valley started the game on fire as they went on a 23-0 run over the first eight minutes of the game before the Hawks got their first points. The Cardinals played consistent the rest of the game and never let the lead fall under 20 point, leading by as many as 38 in the second half.
The game opened with the Cardinals taking control early, as Jaeger Fyfe hit a three-pointer just 17 seconds into play, assisted by Malcolm Clark. SVC maintained its momentum, with Jerry Petty, Jr. contributing significantly by scoring 19 points in the half, including multiple three-pointers. The Hawks struggled offensively, making only 5 of 26 field goals, while SVC's defense forced 12 turnovers, highlighted by 11 steals. SVC ended the first half with a commanding 47-15 lead, capitalizing on a strong inside game and effective shooting from beyond the arc.
SVC maintained its commanding lead throughout the second half. Treayshawn Weatherspoon sparked the home team's offense early in the half with a 3-pointer just 12 seconds in, followed by a layup. The Cardinals' defense was effective, with Malcolm Clark contributing a block and a defensive rebound at the 18:50 mark, preventing a CBC score. Petty further extended the lead with a crucial 3-pointer with 9:48 remaining, assisted by Fyfe. Despite a late-game push by CBC, capped by a Chase Nelson 3-pointer with seven seconds left, SVC's early and sustained scoring secured the victory.
Weatherspoon stood out for the Cardinals, leading the team with 27 points and showcasing versatility with a team-high nine assists and four steals. Petty contributed significantly, scoring 23 points primarily from beyond the arc with six three-pointers, while adding five assists and three steals. The dynamic duo of Weatherspoon and Petty combined for 50 of the team's 91 points. Clark made his presence known on defense, recording three blocks and three steals, along with seven rebounds. Fyfe was effective from long range, hitting 4 three-pointers and adding two steals to the team's defensive efforts. Bennett Howe also excelled defensively, matching Clark with three blocks and securing six rebounds.
Zander Kamai was a standout for the Hawks, leading the team with 15 points, including five field goals and a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line. Keano Harwell also made significant contributions, scoring nine points and grabbing six rebounds. Levi Pepper provided a boost with his 11 points, notably hitting 7 of 9 free throws and securing 3 total rebounds.
The Cardinals will head to the Elite 8 round, next playing on Friday at 2 p.m. against the winner of Umpqua vs. Centralia. The Hawks complete their season with a 14-15 record have finishing third in the East Region.