Northport Basketball Fights to Remain a Top League Contender

The Republic Tigers (13-0 overall, 9-0 league) remained unbeaten in league play with a 48-18 win over the visiting Northport Mustangs in Republic on Saturday, Jan. 17.

Northport was also tested Friday night at home, falling 52-33 to the Curlew Cougars on Jan. 16.

Curlew (11-4, 6-3) built a 26-19 halftime lead and never relinquished control. Annika Baker scored a game-high 18 points for the Cougars. Northport was led by Ruthie Hebarling with 10 points, while Kate Beardslee chipped in eight points.

Northport had started the week with a 57-21 home win over Hunters Lions on Jan. 13.

Beardslee led the Mustangs with a dominant performance, scoring 24 points and knocking down one of Northport’s two 3-pointers. Kylie Colton added 17 points, and Persephanie Ste. Marie scored seven as Northport jumped out to a 13-0 first-quarter lead and steadily pulled away.

Northport held Hunters to eight field goals in the game. Liberty Herrara led Columbia-Hunters with 10 points.

Results from the Mustangs’ matchup against Selkirk on Tuesday, Jan. 20, were unavailable at press time. The Mustangs will continue the week with scheduled games at Inchelium on Friday, Jan. 23, at 6 p.m., then at Nespelem on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 4:30 p.m.  

Northport Boys Still in Control of NE 1B League

The Northport boys basketball team went 2-1 in NE 1B North play last week, picking up a pair of decisive home wins before running into league contender Republic on the road. While they did suffer their first loss, the Mustangs stayed atop the NE 1B North standings.

The Republic Tigers handed the Northport Mustangs an 81-37 loss in Republic on Saturday, Jan. 17. The Tigers improved to 7-2 in league play at 10-5 overall.

Northport recorded a dominant 77-42 home win the previous night over the Curlew Cougars on Jan. 16.

Earlier in the week, Northport turned in its highest-scoring performance of the season, cruising to a 95-58 win over the Hunters Lions on Jan. 13.

The Mustangs are now 12-5 overall and 9-1 in league play. Results from their Tuesday, Jan. 20, matchup against Selkirk were unavailable at press time; the boys are scheduled to continue the week at Inchelium on Friday, Jan. 23, for the final game of the regular season at 7:30 p.m.