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Skagit Valley Men’s Basketball Wins First NWAC Title Since 1988

Cardinals Claim 2026 NWAC Championship

The Skagit Valley College Cardinals Men's Basketball team, led by head coach Carl Howell, captured the 2026 NWAC Championship, marking the program's first title since 1988 and the fifth championship in the college's history (1950, 1959, 1984, 1988, and 2026) during Skagit Valley College's 100th year.

The championship also marked another milestone for Coach Howell, who surpassed 500 career victories  this season. Howell, who took over the Cardinals program in 2019, has built one of the most accomplished coaching careers in NWAC history. His résumé includes three NWAC Championships, previously winning titles in 2002 and 2012 at Tacoma Community College  before guiding Skagit Valley to the 2026 Championship, joining Cliff Wagner at Clackamas (OR) as the only coaches in the NWAC since 1971  to achieve three titles. Over the course of his career, Howell has also led teams to seven NWAC Final Four apperences, eight region championsips, and has been named NWAC Coach of the Year nine times

"I am so proud of our guys," Skagit Valley College coach Carl Howell said. "Our energy and effort was the best it's been all season, we just grinded it out. Personally, it's such a special moment for me to bring back a NWAC title to my alma mater."

Tournament Run
The Cardinals dominated throughout the 2026 NWAC Men's Basketball Championship Tournament.
Skagit Valley opened tournament play with a decisive 91–58 victory over Columbia Basin College. The Cardinals' defense set the tone early, recording 14 steals and seven blocks while holding the Hawks to 32 percent shooting from the field. Offensively, SVC was equally impressive, shooting 59.3 percent from the field and opening the game with a remarkable 23–0 run in the first eight minutes. The Cardinals maintained control throughout the contest, never allowing the lead to drop below 20 points and leading by as many as 38 in the second half. In the quarterfinals, Skagit Valley continued its dominant play with a 91–52 victory over Centralia College. The Cardinals again controlled the game defensively, recording eight blocks and nine steals while limiting the Trailblazers to 38.6 percent shooting.

"Coach Carl guided a remarkable group of student-athletes to our college's fifth NWAC Men's Basketball Championship," said Mitch Freeman, Athletic Director. "We are incredibly proud of how they competed all season—they were champions both on and off the court."

Final Four
Skagit Valley advanced to the Final Four, where they defeated Edmonds College 92–73 to earn their first trip to the NWAC Championship game since 1992. After leading 39–30 at halftime, the Cardinals pulled away in the second half, scoring 53 points in the final 20 minutes to secure the victory and complete a three-game season sweep over Edmonds.

Championship Game
In the NWAC Championship Game, the Cardinals defeated Lower Columbia College 77–72 to claim the title. Malcolm Clark led the way with 23 points, 14 rebounds, and four blocked shots, while Jerry Petty Jr. added 19 points. Treyshawn Weatherspoon contributed 16 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and three steals, and Bennett Howe chipped in 13 points.

Tournament Honors
Several Cardinals were recognized for their outstanding performances during the tournament. Treyshawn Weatherspoon was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player, while Malcolm Clark earned Most Inspirational honors. Petty was selected to the All-Tournament First Team, while Clark and Howe were named to the All-Tournament Second Team.

Championship Celebration
Skagit Valley College Athletics will host a public celebration honoring the Men's Basketball team at Dave DuVall Pavilion. The event will include remarks from SVC leadership, Coach Carl Howell, and student-athletes, along with the official unveiling of the 2026 NWAC Championship banner.

Event details will be announced soon.

 
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Players Mentioned

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

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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