The Highline men’s basketball team went 1-1 in their first two games back from one-month delay, brought on by bad weather and Omicron. 

In their first game back, the Thunderbirds took care of business on the road, winning 82-67 over South Puget Sound to break a four-game losing streak.

Guard Kenny Curtis finished with 21 points, five assists, and five rebounds in 33 minutes of action, including 16 second half points to help blow the game wide open. Guard Micah Jessie pitched in 20 points, hitting nine of 13 shots, including 2-3 from three-point range.

“The team felt pretty good after the break. We definitely felt like we made some progress in practice on both ends of the court and rebounding the basketball,” said Head Coach Che Dawson. 

High flying forward Jalen Fayson dominated the Clippers on the boards with 15. He leads the NWAC with 16.5 RPG

“Jalen has made a huge difference. He is playing hard, rebounding the ball well and being accountable as a leader,” said Dawson.

Highline also took on the 2-0 Tacoma Titans last Saturday in the Pavilion.

The Thunderbirds trailed by 13 at halftime 37-24, but 20 second half points and a clutch three pointer from Kenny Curtis brought Highline within one with 19 seconds remaining, 68-67. 

Tacoma guard Bryce Parker was fouled with five seconds remaining and split his free throws, making it 69-67. Micah Jessie missed a potential game-winning jumper as time expired.

The Thunderbirds struggled to get any bench production. They ended the game with only five bench points to the Titans’ 16.

“Everyone, including the guys on the bench, need to play together and have more patience offensively to get higher quality shots,” said Dawson. 

Highline played at 1-1 Grays Harbor on Wednesday, with results unavailable at press time. 

“Grays Harbor is going to play really hard. It is always difficult to go down there on a Wednesday night. But that is league play. You have to be combat-ready every game,” said Coach Dawson.  

At 1-1 in conference play, Highline is in a four-way tie for third place in the NWAC West. The T-Birds are 4-11 overall. 

Following the Grays Harbor game, the Thunderbirds will have a bye week. The next time they take the court will be against the 1-1 Green River Gators on Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. in the Pavilion.