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Skagit Valley College

Skagit Valley College
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General

Cardinals Ready to Defend North Region

Cardinals Ready to Defend North Region

Mount Vernon, WA — Coach Carl Howell, who has resurrected the Skagit Valley College Men's Basketball Program, enters the 2025–26 season ready to continue the team's historic success. Last season, the Cardinals set a school record with 28 wins and became the first men's basketball team in school history to go undefeated in region play. Under Coach Howell, SVC has posted 25+ wins in 3 of the last 5 seasons and ranks second in NWAC history with 117 wins since his arrival in 2019.

Coach Howell's career highlights are remarkable:
  • 2 NWAC Championships (2002 & 2012)
  • 8 Final Four appearances and 8 Region Championships
  • 9 NWAC Coach of the Year awards
  • Career record: 490–147 (.77 winning percentage over 21 seasons)
    Coach Howell is on track to become the fastest coach in NWAC history to reach 500 wins this season.
The Cardinals open the season at home on November 18th against Northwest Indian College at 5:00 p.m. during Native American Appreciation Night. This year's schedule features 15 non-conference games, including 4 pre-season tournaments, before North Region play begins. The Cardinals are ranked #2 in the NWAC Preseason Poll and are expected to compete for a championship in March.
Coach Howell's Thoughts on the 2025–26 Team:
Q1: What are the biggest strengths of this year's team, and how do you expect them to shape the season?
"We have as good of perimeter players as we've ever had. All five starters are legitimate three-point shooters and can create for others. This is the best 3-point shooting team we've had here. We are also very quick, athletic, and have good size inside. I expect us to play faster than we have in past seasons."
Q2: Which returners or new faces should fans keep an eye on as potential impact players?
Q3: What are the team's main goals for the season, both on and off the court?
"Our goals are always to compete for the North Region and NWAC Championships while continuing to be among the nation's top teams academically."
Q4: What should fans expect from this year's team, and why should they come out to watch your team compete?
"Fans should expect a fast, exciting brand of basketball with high-tempo offense and aggressive full-court defense. This team plays hard, plays together, and will be thrilling to watch."
The Cardinals are ready to build on their record-setting success under Coach Howell as they aim for another NWAC championship run this season.

Go Cards!
 
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Players Mentioned

Jerry Petty Jr.

#1 Jerry Petty Jr.

G
5' 10"
Freshman
Blaine Granberg

#5 Blaine Granberg

G
6' 3"
Sophomore
Treyshawn Weatherspoon

#11 Treyshawn Weatherspoon

G
6' 0"
Freshman
Malcolm Clark

#33 Malcolm Clark

F
6' 8"
Freshman
Bennett Howe

#34 Bennett Howe

F
6' 6"
Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Jerry Petty Jr.

#1 Jerry Petty Jr.

5' 10"
Freshman
G
Blaine Granberg

#5 Blaine Granberg

6' 3"
Sophomore
G
Treyshawn Weatherspoon

#11 Treyshawn Weatherspoon

6' 0"
Freshman
G
Malcolm Clark

#33 Malcolm Clark

6' 8"
Freshman
F
Bennett Howe

#34 Bennett Howe

6' 6"
Sophomore
F

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Scores