Highline split its games last week, with a blowout win against South Puget Sound, and a 44-point road loss versus the first-place Tacoma Titans.
The T-Birds are 6-2 in conference play and in third place, one game behind Lower Columbia for second, and two games behind Tacoma for first..
Against South Puget Sound, Highline took care of business, beating the Clippers 82-57.
“We started the game with energy, focus and a sense of urgency. That’s the key to this team reaching its potential,” said Head Coach Che Dawson.
The T-Birds blitzed the Clippers early, going into the break leading 46-24. Forward Jalen Fayson led the T-Birds in first-half scoring with 12 points on 6-7 shooting. Off the bench, guard Ricky Bell pitched in seven points on 3-4 shooting.
The Clippers attempted to mount a comeback in the second half, but it was not enough, the Thunderbirds outscored them 36-33 on 13-28 shooting.
The Thunderbirds had three key performances, including Fayson who led with 24 points and grabbed seven rebounds, Bell with 12 points, and guard Bradley Graham with 10 points on 4-7 shooting.
“Jalen played with a high motor against South Puget Sound. He is very talented and when he decides to play hard every possession of the game can be very productive,” said Dawson.
Against Tacoma, the results were disappointing.
Highline trailed throughout. They went into halftime down 54-38. In the second half they were outscored 57-29. The T-Birds shot 21-66 from the field overall.
“It was a combination of both offensive struggles and defensive breakdowns,” said Dawson.
However, the Thunderbirds were short handed with only six active players against the Titans.
Highline played the 4-5 Grays Harbor Chokers on Wednesday, with results unavailable at press time.
The next time they take the court will be on the road against the 5-4 Green River Gators on Saturday, Feb. 26 at 4 p.m.
“Both teams are very competitive and play well together,” said Dawson.
The T-Birds have a chance to move up in the standings when they travel to Lower Columbia on Wednesday, March 2. Highline is close to clinching a playoff berth with three games to go.