Men’s Basketball Battles Through Competitive Weekend

The Pierce College Raiders hosted the annual Raider Holiday Classic over the weekend, taking on Edmonds, Blue Mountain, and Clackamas in a challenging three-game slate. The tournament showcased the team’s depth, effort, and emerging talent as the Raiders continued to build momentum early in the season.

Game 1: Edmonds 91, Pierce 83

Pierce opened the Holiday Classic with a strong offensive showing but ultimately fell 91–83 to Edmonds in a high-tempo contest. Freshman point guard Ishe Kanhukamwe led all Raiders with 25 points while adding 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.

Sophomore Mande Wanlemvo dominated the glass, earning a double-double with 15 points, 11 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. Lucas McClendon added 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals, while Cooper Hartley contributed 13 points and a block.

Josiah Gopaul provided a spark with 10 points, and Isaac Norris directed the offense with 6 assists and 2 steals.

Game 2: Pierce 59, Blue Mountain 57

The Raiders responded on Day 2 with a gritty 59–57 victory over the Blue Mountain Timberwolves. Defense made the difference, and Pierce closed out a tight battle to secure their first win of the tournament.

Freshman guard Isaac Norris delivered a standout performance with 16 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and a block. Cooper Hartley added 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals, while Ishe Kanhukamwe posted 9 points and 3 assists.

Lucas McClendon and Mande Wanlemvo each scored 9 points, with McClendon grabbing 6 rebounds and Wanlemvo pulling down 11 more boards. Jonah Bell and Andrew Lowe made key contributions off the bench.

Game 3: Clackamas 92, Pierce 66

Pierce closed out the weekend against a strong Clackamas squad, falling 92–66 despite another competitive effort.

Kanhukamwe once again led the Raiders with 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Cooper Hartley added 17 points and 9 rebounds, continuing his consistent play throughout the Classic. Norris added 8 points and 4 assists, Wanlemvo collected 10 rebounds, and McClendon rounded out the stat sheet with 5 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Up Next: Despite going 1-2 in the Holiday Classic, the Raiders showed strong rebounding, and promising guard play. With standout performances across the roster, Pierce enters the next stretch of the season with valuable experience and growing confidence. The Raiders will look to build on this weekend’s progress as they continue their non-conference schedule against Shoreline at home on Tuesday, December 2nd. Tipoff is set for 7:00pm.