FINAL SCORE: North Idaho 86 Columbia Basin 73

Despite an opening loss, Coach Anthony Owens has a roster that can compete with the best in the East. CBC opened up the game jumping ahead 17-9 against the Cardinals. Tyler Kurtz lead the way for CBC with 24 points on 50% shooting. North Idaho quickly switched to a 3-2 zone after looking outmatched physically on the defensive end. The zone immediately slowed down the Hawks for the rest of the night. North Idaho climbed out of the hole with some timely shooting for Chiawana standout Cooper Dewitt. Basin's defense was good enough in the first half to keep it to a 35-34 game at half.

Outside of halftime, the Hawks couldn't overcome the NIC zone. Good shots didn't fall and NIC continued to pound the ball inside to Delveion Jackson who lead all scorers with 30 points. Late turnovers and missed layins allowed the Cardinals to push the lead up to 13 where it would finish on the night. Carson Cloaninger finished with 14 points on 4/5 from 3pt range. Jase Edwards also added 10 points for the Hawks.

CBC will get to take on Wenatchee Valley in Wenatchee on Saturday April 10th before heading to Walla Walla on April 16th.