The Student Newspaper of Highline College

Denys Matsyuk/THUNDERWORD

Bradley Graham dribbling.

Thunderbird men’s basketball faces challenges with grit and determination

Zaith Mavesere Staff Reporter Jan 25, 2024

Gabriel Jingga/THUNDERWORD

The Highline College men’s basketball team recently faced a challenging couple of games, splitting the two previous matches. The Thunderbirds displayed both resilience and skill on the court by bringing home a win in an away come-from-behind thriller, but also dropped a tough match at home.

On Jan. 17, the Thunderbirds went head-to-head with Centralia College at Centralia. The game started with Centralia taking the lead in the first quarter with a score of 46-29.

Denys Matsyuk/THUNDERWORD

Players going for the tip off.

However, Highline College fought back in the second quarter, narrowing the gap to 41-37. The third quarter saw a remarkable turnaround, with Highline outscoring Centralia and securing the win with a final score of 83-70.

The Thunderbirds’ starting lineup showcased impressive performances, with standout player Nick Robertson delivering an outstanding performance of 25 points and 16 rebounds. Robertson’s contribution was a key factor in Highline’s victory, highlighting his skill and determination on the court.

Other notable players in the starting lineup included Rylon Donovan, Keaine Silimon, Bradley Graham, and Isaiah Vargas, each making valuable contributions to the team’s success.

Then the Thunderbirds faced South Puget Sound College on Jan. 20 at the Thunderdome on the Highline campus. Unfortunately, the team experienced a tough match, with South Puget Sound College dominating throughout the game and securing a victory with a final score of 82-47.

Denys Matsyuk/THUNDERWORD

Keaine Silimon taking his shot.

Despite the challenges faced in recent games, the Thunderbirds have displayed commendable strength both individually and collectively. The resilience of the team is evident in their ability to bounce back from a loss and secure a significant win in their last two games.

Looking ahead, the Thunderbirds are gearing up for their upcoming games. On Wednesday, Jan. 24, they will faced Tacoma Community College, with results unavailable at press time. Following that, on Saturday, Jan. 27, they will hit the court against Lower Columbia College.

The Thunderbirds continue to push forward, showcasing determination and unity on the basketball court. The recent victory against Centralia College serves as a testament to their ability to overcome challenges and emerge victorious.

The Highline College basketball team remains determined to turn things in their favor as they prepare for the upcoming matchups in their season.