Cincinnati, Ohio – February 13, 2026 — The Northwest High School boys basketball team delivered a strong and determined performance Friday night but came up just short in an 84–78 loss to North College Hill in a competitive contest that featured multiple lead changes and standout individual efforts.

Both teams came out firing in the opening quarter, battling to a 17–17 tie. North College Hill gained a slight edge in the second quarter, taking a 40–37 lead into halftime. Despite Northwest’s continued resilience and balanced scoring, North College Hill maintained its advantage through the second half, outscoring Northwest 44–41 over the final two quarters to secure the victory.

Northwest was led by junior Travontay Thomas and Christian Craig, who each scored 23 points to pace the Knights’ offense. Craig was particularly effective from beyond the arc, connecting on five three-pointers while also contributing six rebounds and two assists. Thomas added six rebounds and three steals, demonstrating his all-around impact on both ends of the floor.

Isaiah Stroud added 10 points and three assists, while Eli Sterling contributed eight points and a team-high six assists, helping facilitate Northwest’s offensive attack. Jadyn Hairston anchored the Knights on the boards with 11 rebounds and added two blocks and two steals, showcasing his defensive presence. Off the bench, Ethan Dixon provided valuable rebounding support with nine boards, while Darion Blaine and J’Veon Jackson contributed key minutes and points.

As a team, Northwest demonstrated strength on the glass, outrebounding North College Hill 43–22, including 20 offensive rebounds that created additional scoring opportunities. The Knights also recorded 20 assists and six blocked shots, highlighting their teamwork and defensive effort throughout the game.

North College Hill was led by Maurtorii Lipscom with 23 points and Joshua O’Hara with 21 points, as the Trojans shot over 50 percent from the field to help secure the win.

Despite the loss, Northwest’s balanced scoring, rebounding dominance, and defensive effort reflect the team’s continued growth and competitiveness as they prepare for upcoming contests.