Columbia Christian 69, Butte Falls 36: Most Intriguing Prospects
After getting upset in their league semifinals by Mannahouse Christian, Columbia Christian has been dead set on proving that they are a legitimate contender in the 2A state title race. The Knights certainly proved that in the first round of…
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Continue ReadingAfter getting upset in their league semifinals by Mannahouse Christian, Columbia Christian has been dead set on proving that they are a legitimate contender in the 2A state title race. The Knights certainly proved that in the first round of the 2A playoffs, dominating the game on both ends as they ran past visiting Butte Falls, 69-36.
Columbia Christian meant business early and after leading by seven after the first quarter, dominated the second stanza and led by 21 at halftime, 33-14. The Knights were outstanding in transition and had a real gameplan for the Loggers, looking to shut down the outside shooting of star guard Colby Wood. Wood ended up the night shooting 0-for-16 (0-for-11 from three-point range) while Columbia Christian’s guards had their shots going with Isaiah Mariscal and Freddie Jackson, shooting a combined 18-for-27. With the win, Columbia Christian advanced to familiar territory – the 2A state tournament.
“We’ve really had some guys to replace and some new faces, so we worked really hard all year long to find our groove and find out what we do best,” said Columbia Christian head coach Bart Valentine. “I was really pleased with our focus and execution. I think we’re getting there and we’ll be good as anybody in Pendleton if we put it together.”
Most Intriguing Prospects
Isaiah Mariscal (2020 Columbia Christian)
Mariscal had his shot going all night, hitting 9-for-14 from the field and 5-for-7 from three-point range. The 5-foot-9 senior has a nice touch from the perimeter and converted on both catch-and-shoot opportunities as well as a couple of one-to-two dribble pull-ups. He also was active on the boards contributing seven rebounds. Our pick for the MVP of the game, Marsical hopes to play in college and noted after the game that he’s been in contact with Central Washington.
Devon Malcolm (2022 Butte Falls)
We had heard plenty about Malcolm and had seen the many highlights online but wanted to see him for ourselves and he lived up to billing. The 6-foot-3 sophomore could very well be the most athletic player in the state as he not only plays way above the rim but does so with power in addition to grace. He tried to tear the rim down on several occasions and got in a couple of high-flying dunks – including one powerful one on the break over Mo Hartwich. Malcolm also hit a couple of floaters in the lane but struggled a bit with his shot, largely because he was forced to do a little more than he usually does as some of his teammates struggled with their shooting. In the end he finished with 23 points, 11 rebounds, five steals and two blocks. We caught up with Malcolm after the game and will have an update posted soon.
Freddie Jackson (2021 Columbia Christian)
Jackson could very well be one of the quickest players in the state. The 5-foot-8 point guard is a jitterbug on the court, was the fastest guy end-to-end in transition and in the halfcourt, showed a tremendous quick first step and seemingly got to the basket whenever he wanted to. While most of his buckets were getting to the hoop, he also knocked down a three and a couple of pull-up jumpers to keep the defense honest. Jackson made great decisions on the break and ended the night with five assist to go along with his 20 points.
Mo Hartwich (2021 Columbia Christian)
As if having production from their backcourt wasn’t enough, Columbia Christian also got great play from Hartwich, who at 7-feet towered over Butte Falls. The junior may be still getting stronger, but he confidently posted up down low and showed good footwork and fundamentals with his shot. He was efficient in getting the ball and putting it back in, keeping it high, and ended the night with 12 points and 10 rebounds on 6-for-7 shooting while blocking three shots.
Aydyn Razatdinov (2021 Columbia Christian)
The Knights got the most production off the bench from Razatdinov, who may have shown the most motor on the team. The 5-foot-9 junior has a strong build and played really hard on both ends. He really got out in transition to convert a couple of layups and also showed a nice touch from the perimeter and hit a three. His energy at times was infectious. Razatdinov finished with seven points.
Thomas Johnson (2022 Butte Falls)
Other than Malcolm, the Loggers largely struggled from the field but Johnson had a decent night. The 5-foot-10 sophomore has a solid body and he was tough on the baseline, knocking down a couple of jumpers and also had a knack for being in the right place at the right time for a couple of offensive putbacks. Johnson finished with nine points and seven rebounds.
Levi Underhill (2021 Butte Falls)
Underhill didn’t do much in terms of scoring but he worked hard on the glass pulling down five rebounds. At 6-foot-5 he has a solid frame and wasn’t afraid to mix it up when necessary.