The Napavine High School Tigers delivered an impressive performance on Monday night, defeating the Columbia River Rapids 62-38 at home. This decisive victory showcased the Tigers’ offensive strength and solid defense, marking a significant win against a team returning from the Class 2A state tournament.
Napavine jumped to an early lead, ending the first quarter with a commanding score of 20-8. The Tigers maintained their momentum throughout the game, extending their advantage to as much as 32 points at one point. The final score reflected their dominance, as they outperformed Columbia River in various key areas, including three-point shooting and second-chance points.
Key players for the Tigers included Nicholle Valentine, who secured a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Taylen Evander matched her scoring output with 18 points and also contributed five steals. Hayden Kaut further supported the team with 10 points and six rebounds. The Tigers made five three-pointers, while Columbia River did not make any.
The victory improved Napavine’s record to 4-2 for the season. Head coach Shane Schutz expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, noting, “Our press created some easy buckets for us tonight. We came ready to play. I was pleased with our effort.”
Looking ahead, the Tigers will face Lakes in a non-league game on Saturday before participating in the Lynden Christmas Classic, which begins on December 29, 2023. This upcoming tournament will provide another opportunity for Napavine to build on their current success and further solidify their standing in the season.
