Red Devils Hold Off Lakers 67-63 for First NWAC Men's Basketball Championship since 2005

PASCO, Wash. - The Lower Columbia Red Devils claimed their third NWAC title and first since 2005, defeating Southwestern Oregon 67-63 in the final of the 2025 NWAC Men's Basketball Championship presented by Golf Universe on Sunday at Columbia Basin College.

The Red Devils (29-4) won their first title in two decades and the first for former LCC player and now head coach Mickey Polis.

Lower Columbia led from start to finish, but held off a second-half run from the Lakers. Despite leading by as many as 23 points in the first half, the Red Devils saw their lead dwindle to as few as two points with five seconds left before closing out the victory.

The Red Devils opened the first half with a strong start, quickly establishing a 10-0 lead by 17:06, highlighted by Amir Locus's 3-pointer. The Lakers struggled with turnovers early, committing several in the initial minutes, allowing LCC to extend their advantage. David Young hit a three-pointer midway through the half, pushing the lead to 23 points, their largest of the game. SWOCC tried to rally, with Kelby Jessen hitting a 3-pointer at 13:01, but LCC maintained control, ending the half with a 36-20 lead.

In the second half, SWOCC made a strong push, outscoring LCC 43-31 overall. The Lakers began the half with an early layup by Kam DuPaix at 19:46, and Luke Fotheringham contributed with a layup at 18:48. LCC's David Young responded with a 3-pointer at 17:47, giving them a 15-point lead. However, SWOCC mounted a comeback with Quincy Hills hitting a 3-pointer at 12:28, followed by another three from him at 09:52, reducing the deficit to just three points. The Red Devils were unable to completely put the Lakers away in the second half, but also did not let SWOCC tie the score or take the lead, maintaining at least a two-point advantage the whole way through. Free throws were key down the stretch for the Red Devils who made 11-of-16 in the second half to close out the victory.

Tournament MVP David Young led the Red Devils with a standout performance, contributing 21 points on 7-of-15 shooting from the field with five rebounds, four steals, three blocks and two blocks. Malik Brown supported with 19 points and was efficient at the free-throw line, making 8 of 12 attempts. Brown also recorded six rebounds and four assists. Amir Locus was effective from three-point range, hitting all 3 of his attempts and finishing with 12 points.

Kam DuPaix led the Lakers with a standout performance, contributing 18 points on 8-of-13 shooting, and securing 11 rebounds. Connor Wilson came off the bench to score 16 points including 2 3-pointers. Quincy Hills was effective from beyond the arc, hitting 3-of-6 3-point attempts, contributing to his total of nine points. The Lakers finish an incredible season with a 25-9 record and a runner-up finish.

Men's Basketball All-Tournament Team
Most Valuable Player – David Young, Lower Columbia
Most Inspirational Player – Malik Brown, Lower Columbia

First Team
Isaiah Vargas, Highline
Malik Brown, Lower Columbia
Jeremiah Lewis, South Puget Sound
Luke Fotheringham, Southwestern Oregon
Colby Whicker, Southwestern Oregon

Second Team
Rylan Donovan, Highline
Kap Laila, Lower Columbia
Amir Locus, Lower Columbia
Quincy Linton, South Puget Sound
Kam DuPaix, Southwestern Oregon