Basketball Recap: Karsen Denault's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Napavine over Northwest Christian School

Despite a phenomenal run in the regular season, Napavine couldn't carry that success into this playoff game. They took an 80-66 bruising from the Northwest Christian School Crusaders on Wednesday. The Tigers' defeat signaled the end of their three-game winning streak.

Karsen Denault

Points

03/05/25 @ Northwest Christian School	22
02/28/25 vs La Conner	22
02/22/25 @ Rainier	20

Several Tigers players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Karsen Denault, who went 8-for-17 en route to 22 points along with six boards and four blocks. Denault's afternoon made it three games in a row in which he has scored at least 20 points. Jack Nelson was another key player, shooting 70% from the field on his way to 14 points in addition to seven rebounds and five assists.

Northwest Christian School got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Avi West out in front who went 7-for-10 to rack up 20 points. West is on a roll when it comes to points, as he's now scored 15 or more in each of the last 37 games he's played dating back to last season. Another player making a difference was Caleb Grant, who shot 73% from the field en route to 19 points.

Napavine's loss dropped their record down to 22-4. As for Northwest Christian School, their record now sits at 19-8.

Napavine does not have any more games scheduled as of now. As for Northwest Christian School, they have already played their next contest, a 54-46 defeat against Freeman on the 6th.