While Highline’s campus was closed for winter break, Highline’s men’s basketball team has been busy in the gym. The Thunderbirds have played 10 matchups over their break, winning eight of those and achieving a five game win streak. Highline currently holds a 12-4 overall record.

They have seen competitive teams during this break, so these wins prove a lot for the season. 

The Thunderbirds recently played at the Clackamas Community College Tournament, which they stormed through, winning all three matchups at the tournament. A highlight win for the team was over Olympic College, with an ending score of 118-103, in which the game held a season high record. 

Leading team scorer, sophomore Isaiah Vargas, put up 22 points for the Thunderbirds. Vargas also had nine rebounds and six assists on the night. Highline’s reserves also helped tremendously during this matchup. Freshmen Chris Williams and Ian Prictor both put up 11 points for the night. 

While this team has not only been on fire on the court, they have also been leading the league stats. Freshman Jackson Owens currently leads the league in assist/turnover ratio, with 8.5 a/to. Sophomore Keaine Silimon has a free throw percentage of 87.5, holding seventh place in the league. 

As we entered the first week of 2025, sophomore Rylan Donovan was named the NWAC Athlete of the Week for Dec. 30-Jan. 5. Helping the Thunderbirds go 3-0 during the break, he averaged 17 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. 

“This group of guys has been incredibly cohesive and character driven,” Head Coach Che Dawson said in an interview when asked about how he felt his team was performing this season. “They play together and push each other to become better. That always gives you a better chance to win games!”

With being a little under halfway through their season, Highlines men’s basketball team has shown that they can be true competitors in the league. Look forward to more NWAC league play as the season progresses. 

Go T-Birds!