Highline Upsets Skagit Valley 74-64 in NWAC Sweet 16

Highline secured an upset victory over No. 1 ranked Skagit Valley 74-64 in the game two of the 2025 NWAC Men's Basketball Championship presented by Golf Universe, on Friday at Columbia Basin College.

After trailing at halftime by nine points, the Thunderbirds outscored the Cardinals 45-26 in the second half to upset the Cardinals and give them just their second loss of the year. The Thunderbirds' performance was highlighted by their second half shooting from the floor going 16-for-32 and at the free throw line making 12-for-15 attempts.

The Thunderbirds feature several standout players led by Rylan Donovan who paced the team with 23 points, making 8 of 11 shots and all six free throws. Cooper Aitken scored 14 points, successfully converting 7 of 12 field goals, and added five rebounds to his performance. Isaiah Vargas also had 15 points and a team-high four steals. Keaine Silimon contributed 10 points, seven rebounds and four assists.

The Thunderbirds trailed SVC 38-29 at the end of the first half as Skagit Valley started the game hot shooting going 13-for-25 from the floor. The Thunderbirds' defensive effort picked up in the second half as they held the Cardinals to 30 percent from the floor.

North Region MVP Sylas Williams led the Cardinals with a strong performance, scoring 20 points on 8-of-17 shooting while adding nine rebounds, two steals, and three assists. Bennett O'Connor scored 15 points for Skagit Valley. Amare Jackson added 12 points and five rebounds.

The Thunderbirds will continue their run into the NWAC Elite 8, taking on South No. 2 seed Spokane on Saturday at 2 p.m.