(Longview, WA) The Lower Columbia Red Devils showcased their talent and teamwork in the 37th Red Devil Classic, claiming the championship with three impressive victories. With standout performances from key players, strong defensive play, and balanced scoring, the Red Devils dominated the tournament on their home court.
Game 1 (November 29, 2024): Red Devils vs. Blue Mountain
The Red Devils opened the tournament with a commanding 84-52 win over Blue Mountain Timberwolves. Malik Brown led the charge with 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals, setting the tone on both ends of the floor. James Grose added 11 points, shooting 43% from the field, and contributed with 4 steals. Kalim Brown chipped in with 7 points and 5 rebounds off the bench, while the team combined for 13 steals and converted 17 points off turnovers. The Red Devils dominated inside, scoring 40 points in the paint and controlling the boards with 42 total rebounds.
Devils had 5 players scoring double figures. Amir Locus came off the bench to put up 16 points and pull down 14 boards for a nice double-double. David Young added 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. Keshawn Lewis had 11 points and 3 rebounds.
Henry Begay led the Timberwolves with 18 points and 4 rebounds. Oscar Stecklein put up 10 points and pulled down 6 boards. Xavier Kelly came off the bench to contribute 6 points and 6 rebounds.
Game 2 (November 30, 2024): Red Devils vs. Southwestern Oregon
In the second round, Lower Columbia earned a 79-67 win over Southwestern Oregon Lakers. David Young led the Devils, contributing 24 points, and 6 rebounds hitting 4 of 7 shoots from beyond the arc. Kap Laila added 10 points and 10 rebounds to earn the double-double. Keshawn Lewis was huge with 21 points and 4 assists. The Red Devils' bench stepped up, adding 10 points and providing valuable minutes. Defensively, they forced 17 turnovers, leading to 19 points, and limited Southwestern Oregon to just 26% shooting from beyond the arc. The team's free-throw shooting stood out, hitting 17 of 19 attempts (89.5%), a critical factor in maintaining their lead.
The Lakers had 4 players in double figures. Luke Fotheringham lead SWOCC with 13 pts and 4 rebounds. Kam DuPaix had 12 points and 5 rebounds. Colby Whicker add 11 points and Cole Roberts came off the bench to add 10 points.
Championship Game (December 1, 2024): Red Devils vs. Spokane
The championship game proved to be a nail-biter as Lower Columbia edged Spokane 62-60 in a thrilling battle. Spokane came out strong, building a 13-point lead early in the second half. However, the Red Devils displayed remarkable resilience, clawing their way back into the game with a strong defensive effort and clutch offensive plays.
Malik Brown led the charge with 19 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists, his steady hand keeping the Red Devils composed during high-pressure moments. David Young added 9 points and 7 rebounds, consistently fighting for position on both ends of the court. Amir Locus was a force on the glass, grabbing 9 crucial rebounds to anchor the team's defensive stands.
The turning point came midway through the second half when the Red Devils ramped up their defensive pressure. Young put the Devils up by one with 7 minutes on a contested layup. The team collectively forced several late turnovers, disrupting Spokane's offensive rhythm. Spokane tied it up with 2:25 remaining on a three by Nate Visentin. A decisive layup by Locus, combined with a missed 3-pt shot by the Sasquatch, secured the victory in the game's final moments.
The Red Devils finished with a strong 40-31 rebounding edge and limited Spokane to just 14 points in the paint, neutralizing their inside threats. The bench provided valuable contributions, and the team's adaptability shone as they adjusted their game plan to counter Spokane's early advantage.
Zack Reighard lead the Sasquatch with 19 points and 4 assists. Eli Hunter had 17 points and Nate Visentin put up a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds.
The Red Devils' championship run in the Red Devil Classic was a testament to their depth, resilience, and ability to perform under pressure. With key contributions from starters and bench players alike, Lower Columbia proved they are a team to watch this season. Their defensive intensity, efficient shooting, and strong teamwork set the foundation for their success in this tournament and beyond.
Devils return to the home court on Wednesday, December 4, vs the Clark Penguins. Tip is set for 7:30 pm following the LCC women's basketball game vs Clark.
