Women’s basketball beats Columbia Basin in coach Carlson’s final home game

NIC women’s basketball appeared to have little difficulty defeating Columbia Basin 72-59 in the final home game for head coach Chris Carlson on Wednesday night. 

Chris Carlson and his family stood at half-court during halftime of the men’s basketball game. The women’s basketball program flourished under Carlson, and he racked up numerous accolades in his 16 years at NIC. Carlson won the NJCAA championship in 2011, received the NJCAA Association District M Coach of the Year award three times and compiled a 319-129 record.

Carlson announced his retirement on Monday, Feb. 24 after 16 seasons of leading NIC women’s basketball. He received gifts and honors by players, staff and alumni during halftime of the men’s basketball game.

The Cards jumped out to an early 24-14 lead by the end of the first quarter over a struggling Columbia Basin team (5-11, 8-20), thanks in large part to a ferocious defense that came up with five steals.

NIC continued to maintain a comfortable lead for most of the game until a late comeback attempt in the fourth quarter by Columbia Basin. The Cards led 65-60 with five minutes left but managed to turn it on on both ends of the floor with a 12-4 run to end the game in a 72-59 victory.

Alex Carlton high fives her teammates after being subbed out for the final time at home. Carlton and the other sophomores put together an impressive 37-19 record during their time together at NIC, and will look to add to that total in the NWAC playoffs.

Anna Schrade led the team in points with 16 while also grabbing a team-high of nine rebounds. Halle Eborall had 14 points, seven rebounds and three steals while Alex Carlton and Demi Randall both added 13 points.

The night also marked the final home game for star sophomores Schrade, Eborall, Carlton and Sydnie Peterson.

NIC (11-5, 17-10) ended the regular season on a four-game win streak, which matched their longest of the season, and finished in fourth place in the East region. The Cards will find out their first-round opponent in the NWAC tournament in a selection show on Sunday, March 1 at 4 p.m. on the NWAC website.