The Lewiston Bengals secured a much-needed victory on January 12, 2024, defeating the La Grande Tigers 52-37 in a nonleague girls basketball matchup in La Grande, Oregon. This win not only halted the Bengals’ three-game losing streak but also highlighted their offensive depth, with three players scoring in double digits.
Darta Serdane led the Bengals (6-7) with 16 points, including two 3-pointers and perfect free-throw shooting at 4-for-4. Both Avery Lathen and Avery Balmer contributed 10 points each, while the team collectively excelled at the foul line, going 10-for-12. “Good team win,” said Lewiston coach Brady Bagby. “Our team energy was fantastic, especially in a road win after a three-hour bus ride.”
In addition to the main matchup, several other notable games occurred across the region. The Nezperce Nighthawks edged out the Kamiah Kubs in a thrilling contest, winning 50-49. With just seconds remaining, a critical turnover allowed Nezperce to maintain its lead. Jada Jensen shone for the Nighthawks, registering a double-double with 20 points and 13 steals, while Paityn Ralstin added 15 points and eight rebounds.
In another competitive game, the undefeated Salmon River Savages continued their winning streak by overcoming the Kendrick Tigers 43-35. Rylee Walters led Salmon River (10-0) with 20 points, while Kendrick’s Hali Anderson scored a game-high 21 points, including five 3-pointers.
The Prairie Pirates dominated the Clearwater Valley Rams, recording a staggering 72-9 victory in a 2A Whitepine League game. The Pirates (8-3) showcased their depth with 11 scorers contributing to the total, led by Sage Elven with 18 points and Beka Schumacher with 15 points and seven rebounds. The Rams (0-10) struggled to keep pace, managing only two points in the opening quarter.
In boys basketball, the Kendrick Tigers triumphed over the Lapwai Wildcats 59-36, handing Lapwai its first loss of the season. The Tigers (7-2, 3-0) used a strong third quarter to pull away, led by Nathan Tweit who scored 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds. The Wildcats (4-1, 2-1) were unable to recover despite a team-high 11 points from Ryker Samuels.
In further action, the Orofino Maniacs maintained their undefeated status with a 62-53 victory over the Logos Knights, propelled by Nick Bonner‘s 15 points. Meanwhile, St. John Bosco claimed a close win against Clearwater Valley, finishing 58-47, thanks to a balanced scoring effort led by Connor Nuxoll with 14 points and 12 rebounds.
The week’s matchups highlighted not only competitive play but also showcased the growing talent across the region, setting the stage for exciting contests as the season progresses.
