Hawks Use Paint Presence to Defeat Skagit Valley 65-47 in NWAC Sweet 16

PASCO, Wash. — Columbia Basin (21-7, 10-4) used a dominant paint presence to defeat Skagit Valley (15-14, 11-3) by a 65-47 final score in Game 4 of the 2026 NWAC Women's Basketball Championship, presented by ICCU, on Friday night at CBC's Holden Court.

Leading by as many as 22 points in the fourth quarter, the Hawks capitalized with 26 points off turnovers and had a 44-12 advantage in points in the paint over SVC. CBC controlled the middle 20 minutes of the game, outscoring Skagit Valley 38-21 during the second and third quarters. The Hawks also spread the ball around with four different players scoring in double digits.

The first quarter commenced with Columbia Basin engaging Skagit Valley in a back-and-forth contest. SVC initially took a 2-0 lead with a layup by Allie Heino at 9:03. Columbia Basin promptly responded, with Nekha Roehl converting two free throws to tie the game and then adding a jumper to take the lead at 8:41. The Hawks maintained their momentum and extended the lead to 15-10 with 2:52 remaining, thanks to a layup by Tayler Adams. Skagit Valley's Grace Trichler narrowed the gap with a late 3-pointer, closing the quarter at 15-13 in favor of Columbia Basin.

The Hawks extended its lead in the second quarter with a dominant performance against SVC, finishing 18-10 for the quarter. Roehl spearheaded the offensive effort, scoring multiple layups, including one at 2:21 that pushed the lead to 12 points. Sadie Tanner contributed both as a scorer and facilitator, with an assist to Ezrah Ray for a layup at 0:47. Skagit Valley's Alyssa Larson provided some resistance with a layup at 0:26, but the Cardinals trailed 33-23 at halftime.

CBC extended its lead over the Cardinals in the third quarter, outscoring the No. 2 seed 20-11. Roehl opened the quarter with two successful free throws, contributing to a strong start. Hailey Jamison capitalized on fast-break opportunities, scoring two layups within the first two minutes, with assists from Tanner and Roehl. Ray also played a pivotal role, scoring a layup and converting an ensuing free throw after being fouled, pushing the lead further. Columbia Basin's defense effectively limited Skagit Valley's field goal attempts, maintaining a substantial lead throughout the quarter.

The Hawks maintained a commanding lead throughout the fourth quarter, highlighted by a 3-pointer from Jamison at 9:16, extending their advantage to 22 points. The Cardinals fought back with Larson hitting a 3-pointer at 7:34, but the Hawks' Amber Swan responded with a 3-pointer of her own at 4:50, keeping the lead secure. Tanner added a jumper at 3:20 and another at 0:37, capping off the scoring for Columbia Basin. Despite SVC's late efforts, including a last-second jumper by Wendy Asper, Columbia Basin secured a decisive 65-47 victory.

Roehl was the top scorer for the Hawks, contributing 17 points and adding four rebounds, while displaying defensive skills with two steals. Jamison recorded 11 points and two steals. Tanner was showed off her playmaking, leading the team with six assists while scoring 10 points and securing four rebounds. Ray was a significant presence under the basket, securing eight rebounds and scoring 14 points, while effectively converting six of seven free throw attempts.

Larson emerged as a standout player for the Cardinals, leading the team with 12 points, including two 3-pointers, and contributing significantly on defense with four steals and one block. Kiki York also played a pivotal role, scoring 11 points and excelling at the free-throw line as she went 7-for-8. She added to her defensive contributions with four steals and two blocks.

The Hawks will next matchup with West Region champions Lower Columbia in the Elite Eight on Saturday at 4 p.m. The game will be a rematch of the first round from 2025 when CBC upset the Red Devils as a No. 4 seed. Skagit Valley finishes its season with a 15-14 record after taking second place in the North Region.