(Longview, WA) The Red Devils secured an 88-74 victory over the Grays Harbor Chokers on Wednesday night. The win, combined with Green River's defeat of South Puget Sound, earns the Devils their sixth consecutive NWAC West Region championship and the No. 1 seed out of the west heading into the NWAC Championship Tournament.
Before the game the team, fans, and family took some time to honor our 6 sophomore players; Camryn Berry, Amir Locus, Cody Dauterman, Keshawn Lewis, David Young, and Malik Brown,
Lower Columbia (25-4, 12-2) dominated early, outscoring Grays Harbor 51-30 in the first half and never relinquishing control. The Red Devils displayed a balanced attack, with five players scoring in double figures.
David Young led the way with 18 points, seven assists, two steals, and two blocks.
Malik Brown added 17 points and eight rebounds while also collecting two steals.
Kap Laila contributed 15 points and eight rebounds, anchoring the interior with two blocks.
James Grose scored 15 points and Amir Locus chipped in 12 points and five rebounds.
As a team, Lower Columbia shot an efficient 57.4% from the field, including 47.4% from beyond the arc. The Red Devils also showcased their defensive presence with six blocks and forced eight turnovers.
Despite the loss, Grays Harbor's Matt Oryang delivered an impressive performance, leading all scorers with 21 points while adding six rebounds and four assists.
With the West Region title secured, Lower Columbia now turns its attention to the NWAC Tournament, where they will enter as the top seed, seeking another deep postseason run.
Devils Men will open up tournament play on Friday, March 7 with a 6:00 pm tip vs the Shoreline Dolphins, at Columbia Basin College in Pasco, WA.
The ladies will start their tournament run on Thursday, March 6 with a 12:00 pm tip vs the host school, Columbia Basin Hawks.
At halftime, Red Devil Athletics honored our newest inductees into the Red Devils Hall of Fame.
2025 Inductees:
Scott Lucas: 1991-93 Baseball and Basketball
Johnna (Ballard) Steenkolk: 1992-93 Basketball
Steve Rooklidge: 1991-92 Baseball
Jennifer (Lybrand) Butcher: 1999/2001 Softball
Misty Velke: 2000 Softball
Bob Rose: 1967-68 Baseball
1992 Championship Baseball Team
2000 Championship Softball Team
2001 Championship Softball Team
