The Highline men’s basketball team has bigger hopes for next season, after an early exit in the NWAC tournament in March.

Highline fell 74-59 to Wenatchee Valley in the first round of the tournament. Wenartchee made it as far as the semifinals before falling to Bellevue, 84-76. Yakima Valley won the school’s fourth ever NWAC title by downing Bellevue, 70-57.

Against Wenatchee Valley, Highline struggled from the field, shooting 37.9 percent and 20 percent from three-point range.

“We held them to 20 points under their average. We just did not have enough discipline offensively to beat a more talented team,” said Head Coach Che Dawson.

Guard Micah Jessie was named all-region first team. Guard Kenny Curtis was named all-region second team. Forward Jalen Fayson was named to the all-defensive team.

“I was proud of the guys who finished the season. They handled the adversity we faced with class,” said Dawson.

Several key players from this year’s roster will be returning for the 2023 season.

“For sure Ricky Bell, Sam Olson, Bradley Graham and Visal Vorn are coming back,” said Dawson.

The hopes for the 2023 season remain high. 

“The primary expectation for next season is a much more serious commitment and sense of urgency about what is best for the team and the program. That starts with insisting on commitment from those who want to return and prioritizing certain qualities in our recruits,” said Dawson.

Jessie ended the season as Highline’s scoring leader at 19.3 per game. Fayson was the team’s rebound leader with 9.3 per game, and Curtis led the team in assists with 4.3, as well as steals with 2 per game.