Basketball Recap: Tyler Venable's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Black Hills over Columbia River

Black Hills played a tough matchup on Monday in which they were outscored in every quarter. They came up short against the Columbia River Rapids, falling 62-41. The Wolves were not able to make up for their defeat to the Rapids from their previous meeting back in February of 2024.

Tyler Venable

Points

02/17/25 @ Columbia River	18
02/14/25 vs Mark Morris	20
02/06/25 @ Aberdeen	27
02/04/25 @ Centralia	20
01/31/25 @ Tumwater	17

Black Hills' loss came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Tyler Venable, who dropped a double-double with 18 points and ten boards. Venable's evening made it five games in a row in which she has scored at least 17 points. Natalie Buchanan was another key player, putting up 11 points along with five rebounds and three steals.

Even though they lost, Black Hills smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 12 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least nine offensive rebounds in five consecutive contests.

Black Hills' defeat dropped their record down to 14-8. As for Columbia River, the victory was the fifth in a row for them, bringing their record for this year to 19-2.

Looking ahead, Black Hills will challenge Ridgefield at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Black Hills is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 53 points per game this season. As for Columbia River, they will square off against WF West at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Both teams are headed into the matchup with plenty of momentum (Columbia River has won ten straight at home, while WF West won nine straight on the road), something that'll have to change.