Columbia Basin delivered its first home win of the young season on Friday night, powering past Grays Harbor in an 84–77 victory at home. From the opening whistle, our group set the tone with relentless pace, interior scoring, and the kind of balanced attack we've been striving to build.

The first half showcased exactly who we want to be offensively. We attacked the paint early and often, piling up 41 first-half points behind efficient scoring from Kaden Bethel and Alex Wells. Bethel was unstoppable inside, finishing a perfect 12-for-12 from the field on his way to a team-high 24 points and nine rebounds. Wells matched that energy with a complete performance of his own, dropping 21 points while adding six rebounds, six assists, and three steals. Their combined production gave us a steady rhythm that Grays Harbor struggled to disrupt.

Even when Grays Harbor got hot from deep in the second half, our response was measured and composed. Every time they trimmed the lead, we answered—whether it was Neil McCarthy coming off the bench for timely buckets, Zander Kamai facilitating the offense with five assists, or Cade Washington drilling a key three to slow their momentum.

Defensively, our pressure forced 13 turnovers and limited Grays Harbor's interior looks, allowing us to control the glass with a 39–23 rebounding advantage. Our 60 points in the paint proved to be the difference, wearing them down possession by possession.

As the clock wound down, they maintained poise, closed out defensive stands, and secured the win with disciplined execution. With contributions from every rotation player and clear growth on both ends of the floor, this game represents a growing opportunity for a bunch of new faces looking to solidify their roles.

CBC moves to 2-2 on the year (1-0 NWAC play). They will turn back around to face the Lane Titans on Holden Court Saturday at 6pm.