Skagit Valley Wins First NWAC Title Since 1988 with 77-72 Win Over Lower Columbia

PASCO, Wash. - The Skagit Valley Cardinals defeated Lower Columbia 77-72 to claim the 2026 NWAC Men's Basketball Championship title, presented by ICCU, on Sunday afternoon at Columbia Basin College.

The Cardinals are men's basketball champions for the first time since 1988 as they claim their third title all-time. Head Coach Carl Howell wins his third NWAC title, but first as a head coach for the Cardinals, his alma mater.

Treyshawn Weatherspoon was named the NWAC Tournament Most Valuable Player as he finished the championship game with 16 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals. Post Malcolm Clark was selected the Tournament Most Inspirational Player with 23 points, 14 rebounds, and four blocks as he was dynamic in the championship game for the Cardinals. Clark had a massive block late in the game that helped keep LCC off the board and sparked the Cardinals on.

The first half commenced with Clark scoring a layup for Skagit Valley just 16 seconds into the game, assisted by Weatherspoon. The Cardinals established an early lead at the 16:20 mark with Weatherspoon completing a three-point play after a layup while drawing a foul, leveling the score at 8–8. Lower Columbia College's James Grose briefly put his team ahead with a 3-pointer, but Jerry Petty, Jr.'s dynamic performance, including a crucial layup at 4:06, helped SVC secure a more commanding lead. The Cardinals finished the half strong, with Clark's dunk in the final seconds, closing the period with a 41–36 advantage.

In a closely contested second half, the Red Devils kept the game tight with a 3-pointer from Shane Douma-Sanchez at 9:58, but the Cardinals responded with a series of key plays. Malcolm Clark's dunk at 10:54 and additional points from Bennett Howe and Jerry Petty, Jr. helped maintain a narrow lead. Weatherspoon contributed with critical free throws in the final minute, sealing the win.

Petty Jr. made a significant impact with 19 points, tallying three steals as he was selected First Team All-Tournament after scoring 19 or more points in all four games. Howe formed a dynamic post duo with Clark as he added 13 points, four rebounds, three assists and three blocks, showcasing his efficiency by making five of nine shots from the field. These players provided a solid foundation for the team's performance with their notable contributions.

For the Red Devils, several players stood out in their recent performance. Skyler Schmidt, who was named First Team All-Tournament, led the team with a notable 19 points, making 7 of 15 field goals and contributing three blocks. Douma-Sanchez was pivotal with 16 points, eight rebounds, and a team-high eight assists. Grose, who was also First Team All-Tournament for LCC, scored 11 points with three made three pointers. 

Each team played just seven players with five players playing all 40 minutes including Weatherspoon, Clark, and Petty, Jr. for the Cardinals and Grose and Douma-Sanchez for Lower Columbia. The Red Devils came up just one game short of winning back-to-back championships after another impressive season. They finish with a 23-7 overall record, taking second place in the West Region and finishing as 2026 runner-ups. 

All-Tournament Teams
Most Valuable Player: Treyshawn Weatherspoon, Skagit Valley
Most Inspirational: Malcolm Clark, Skagit Valley

First Team
Josiah Johnson, Bellevue
Avidan West, Edmonds
James Grose, Lower Columbia
Skyler Schmidt, Lower Columbia
Jerry Petty, Jr., Skagit Valley

Second Team
Will Woodward, Bellevue
Kyrylo Kapinos, Edmonds
Kenyan Jackman-Thomas, Lower Columbia
Malcolm Clark, Skagit Valley
Bennett Howe, Skagit Valley