Highline slipped into a tie for third place in the NWAC West, after losing to arch-rival Green River last Saturday.
The T-Birds are 7-4 in conference play. They are two games behind Tacoma and Lower Columbia for first. Fourth place still would get Highline into the NWAC tournament, but 5-6 Pierce still has an outside shot at claiming that spot.
Against Grays Harbor on Feb. 23, Highline took care of business, beating them 81-73.
“The team ball movement was incredible,” said Guard Micah Jessie. “They were getting guys open for good high percentage shots.”
The T-Birds and the Chokers played a close one throughout, going into the break tied 37-37. Guard Bradley Graham led the T-Birds in first-half scoring with nine points on 3-8 shooting. Guard Ricky Bell pitched in eight points on 3-5 shooting.
The Chokers kept it close for most of the second half, but it was not enough as the Thunderbirds pulled away late after a well-rounded final nine minutes.
Statistics from the game were unavailable at press time.
Against Green River, the results were disappointing. Highline trailed throughout and finished the game losing 104-71.
“As of right now the team is doing all right,” forward Tyrell Moore. “Me and a few other players are facing late season struggles with not being able to be on the court with the rest of the team.”
Highline has not had a full roster for the last several games. Players and coaches did not respond to questions about players who have not seen court time of late.
Highline played the 9-2 Lower Columbia Red Devils on Wednesday, with results unavailable at press time.
The next time they take the court will be on the road against the 5-6 Pierce Raiders on Saturday, March 5 at 2 p.m.
With three games left, the West Division is still somewhat up for grabs. Highline could finish as high as first or as low as fifth.
More likely, the T-Birds are battling Green River for third place, which would mean a better draw in the first round of the tournament. The two teams split their regular season games, so the tie-breaker comes down to records against common opponents.
That means Saturday’s game against Pierce could decide playoff seeding, since it’s the highest-placed team against which Highline and Green River don’t have identical records.