Tigers rebound from two losses with win

The Clatskanie Tigers varsity boys basketball team opened 2026 with a decisive 63-40 victory over Riverdale, but followed it with a 61-55 loss to Columbia Christian on Tuesday, Jan. 6, and a 78-36 loss to Portland Christian on Friday, Jan. 9. Despite going into halftime up 31-27, the Tigers were outscored 34-24 in the second half against Columbia Christian. Clatskanie was led in scoring by junior Michael Simpson, who had 21 points. Simpson led the team in rebounds as well with 12 to complete the double-double. Scoring eight points, junior Gunner Engen led the Tigers in assists with five and steals with three.

The boys were able to end their two-game skid with a 51-39 win Monday, Jan. 12, against Vernonia. Despite entering the second quarter trailing 18-16, the Tigers outscored the Loggers 35-21 in the remaining three frames to secure the double digit victory. Engen led the boys in scoring with 20 points, assists with six, and steals with three. Scoring 11 points of his own, senior Zach Mollenhour completed the double-double with a team-high 11 rebounds. Simpson once again had double-digit scoring with 12 points, and senior Ayden Blackshire had the team's lone block in the victory.

The Tigers took on Nestucca on Wednesday, Jan. 14, but the results of the game were not available at the time of press. The boys return to action Friday, Jan. 16, in Aloha, where they will take on Faith Bible Christian before returning home Tuesday, Jan. 20, to take on Gaston at 7 p.m. inside the Clatskanie High School gym.