The Highline men’s basketball team went 0-2 last week, after a takedown from the Titans, 81-56, and a vanquish by the Devils, 94-47.
Last Wednesday, Tacoma showed up big time on their home court, overpowering the T-Birds, 81-56. The Titans marched on to victory behind a career-high 28 points from freshman Jaylon Ellis.
For the night, the Thunderbirds shot 38.2 percent to the Titans 58.8 percent on the floor.
In the first half, Highline was in step with Tacoma up until an 8-0 Titan run put them ahead 24-16 with 7:50 left. Highline’s Rayven Turner caught fire, stringing together six points to bring the Thunderbirds within one, 24-23. But Jaylon Ellis would spark yet another Tacoma run, hitting a pair of threes in addition to five points inside from guard Roman Lewis.
Tacoma built an eight point scoring gap, 37-29, at the halftime break.
In the second half, Highline continued to struggle sinking their shots, having 38 percent all around shooting compared to Tacoma’s 68.2 percent for the half.
In the second half, Highline put up less than half their shots but Tacoma was ruthless as freshman standout Jaylon Ellis put up 17 points within the span of eight minutes. Tacoma widened the scoring gap to 59-37 with 12:41 left. Highline tried to sort out their offense, but every time the Thunderbirds made two points, Tacoma fired back with three or four. In the final seconds of the game, the Titans made their largest lead of 29.
Tacoma closed out the match 81-56, and Highline suffered another conference loss.
Freshman Rayven Turner led the team with 19 points on 4-7 three-point shooting, the fourth double-double of his career. Freshman Taveon Long added 15 points on 6-12 field goal shooting. Both freshmen recorded their highest scoring in conference play thus far.
“Rayven and Taveon played pretty well offensively. We have to try and find some consistency in our offensive productivity,” said Highline Head Coach Che Dawson.
“I didn’t have us prepared. I have to do a much better job of making sure we are efficient offensively, focused defensively and playing harder on the glass,” said Coach Dawson.
Later in the week at home, Highline fell to an impressive performance from Lower Columbia, 94-47.
Highline won the tipoff and scored the first layup of the night. The T-Birds were off to a good start with an 8-7 lead after a three-pointer from Rayven Turner. But the Devils took off with their 77.6 percent shooting compared to Highline’s 34.2 percent for the half
Lower Columbia led 52-24 at the halftime break.
The Devil’s continued to whip the Thunderbirds into shape by nearly doubling Highline’s points in the second half, 42-23.
The Devils closed the match, 94-47, their third straight conference.
The Thunderbirds were bested in all major statistical areas, specifically in the paint where Lower Columbia scored 42 points to Highline’s 16. Additionally, four Devils recorded double figures for the night.
Lower Columbia’s Kaden Horn and Ashton Harvey led all players with 17 points each.
Highline’s Ricky Bell and Taveon Long led the Thunderbirds, having both chipped in 11 points.
“We competed for the first few minutes of the game and had an early lead. I didn’t have us ready to stay competitive on both ends of the floor for the entire game,” said Coach Dawson.
On Wednesday, Highline hit the road to play Grays Harbor with results unavailable at press time. Both the T-birds and the Chokers are tied for a No. 7 ranking in the division with an 0-6 record. The game marked the end of the first round in conference play.
Next Wednesday, the eight teams in the NWAC West go around again with high stakes for Highline. The Thunderbirds will travel to Lakewood, WA, to play 3-3 Pierce on Feb. 8. The game begins at 7:30 p.m.
Every win or loss weighs heavy for the T-Birds as they will have to beat out three teams above them to clinch one of four postseason spots.