The Lewiston Bengals and Kendrick Tigers secured significant victories in high school basketball on March 15, 2024. The Bengals ended a three-game losing streak with a convincing 52-37 win against the La Grande Tigers in La Grande, Oregon. Meanwhile, the Kendrick boys’ team overcame the Lapwai Wildcats, marking their continued dominance in the 2A Whitepine League with a 59-36 victory.
Lewiston’s triumph was powered by Darta Serdane, who led all scorers with 16 points, including two 3-pointers and perfect free-throw shooting at 4-for-4. Teammates Avery Lathen and Avery Balmer each contributed 10 points, helping the Bengals improve their record to 6-7. The team demonstrated excellent foul shooting, finishing the game with a success rate of 83.3% at the line, converting 10 of 12 attempts.
Lewiston head coach Brady Bagby praised the team’s energy, particularly following a lengthy bus ride. “Good team win,” Bagby noted, highlighting the positive atmosphere that contributed to their performance.
In the boys’ matchup, Kendrick displayed a powerful third quarter that transformed a closely contested game into a decisive win. The Tigers, now 7-2 overall and 3-0 in league play, were led by Nathan Tweit, who scored 17 points and secured nine rebounds. Other key contributors included Hudson Kirkland with 13 points and Maddox Kirkland who added 12 points and eight rebounds. Kendrick’s balanced scoring approach proved effective against Lapwai, who suffered their first defeat of the season, dropping to 4-1.
In another close contest, the Nezperce Nighthawks edged out the Kamiah Kubs with a narrow 50-49 victory. Jada Jensen showcased her talent with a double-double, scoring 20 points and recording 13 steals. This win improved Nezperce to 8-4.
The Salmon River Savages continued their unbeaten streak with a 43-35 victory over Kendrick, maintaining a perfect record of 10-0. Rylee Walters led the team with 20 points, while Hali Anderson from Kendrick stood out with 21 points, including five 3-pointers.
In a different league, the Prairie Pirates overwhelmed the Clearwater Valley Rams, defeating them 72-9. Prairie’s overwhelming 29-0 lead in the first quarter set the tone for the game. Sage Elven and Beka Schumacher were standout performers, scoring 18 and 15 points, respectively.
The Pullman Christian Eagles also enjoyed success, winning 36-20 against the Christian Heritage Patriots, with Lizzy Fitzgerald leading with 10 points. The Pullman defense was particularly impressive, allowing no more than eight points in any quarter.
As the basketball season progresses, these victories underscore the competitive spirit and talent present in high school athletics across the region. The performances of teams like the Lewiston Bengals and Kendrick Tigers will surely continue to captivate fans as they pursue their respective championship aspirations.