With four straight wins, the Highline men’s basketball team is turning its season around.
After starting the season 3-10, the T-Birds are 5-2 in conference play and in third place, behind Tacoma and Lower Columbia, who they beat two weeks ago.
Most recently, Highline took care of business against Pierce, 97-83, and beat Centralia, 102-83.
“We are sharing the ball much better and passing the ball ahead in transition. Defensively we are better but still not as consistent as we need to be, especially when it comes to taking away penetration,” said Head Coach Che Dawson.
Against Pierce, the T-Birds got off to a great start, leading the Raiders 43-35 at half. Forward Tyrell Moore led the team in first-half scoring with 14 points on 6-10 shooting. Guard Micah Jessie pitched in eight points on 3-6 shooting.
Highline came out in the second half in similar fashion, outscoring the Raiders 54-48 in the period on 22-32 shooting.
The Thunderbirds had five players scoring in double digits, including Moore who led with 22, forward Jalen Fayson with 21, Jessie with 19, and guard Kenny Curtis with 10.
“We are just moving the ball much better and getting much better looks,” said Dawson.
Highline earned the win despite the scoring outburst of Pierce guard Michael Ajayi, who scored 40 points and grabbed 17 rebounds.
Against Centralia, it was another blowout win.
Highline trailed 51-48 at half, but finished the game on a tear, outscoring the Trailblazers 54-32.
Scoring leaders for the game were Jessie with 25, Fayson with 22, Curtis with 18, guard Ricky Bell with 13, and Moore with 11.
The biggest standout in this game was rebounding. The T-Birds outrebounded the Trailblazers 47-25, with 16 of those rebounds being from Fayson.
“Jalen is doing a great job on the offensive glass. It gives us a great chance to score more points per possession and raises the overall energy level,” said Dawson.
At 5-2 in conference play, Highline is one game ahead of Pierce for third in the NWAC West after defeating them. The T-Birds are 8-12 overall and have seven games remaining until playoff time.
Highline played the 1-6 South Puget Sound Clippers on Wednesday, with results unavailable at press time.
“South Puget Sound is long and athletic inside, so we have to rebound. Tacoma is very good defensively, so in that game we have to be efficient offensively,” said Dawson.
The next time they take the court will be on the road against the 6-1 and first place Tacoma Titans on Saturday, Feb. 19 at 1 p.m. and at home against Grays Harbor on Wednesday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m.