The matchups are set for the 2026 NWAC Men's Basketball Tournament and your Clark College Penguins have made the dance!  When asked about how his team was feeling about the bid to play for an NWAC title, Penguin Head Coach Kevin Johnson was quick to the point. "Our guys are excited about it (making the tournament). We've had some difficult circumstances throughout the year, so to be one of the last 16 teams remaining is something to be proud of." The Penguins arrived here in large part thanks to the play of freshman forward Tristan Pratt. One of the top scorers in the NWAC at 20.1 points per game, the athletic forward has shown the ability to score at all three levels for Clark.

After finishing the regular season 17-12, 9-7 in South Region play, the 2026 Clark College men's basketball team earned the region's number three seed. Their reward? A showdown with the defending champion Lower Columbia College Red Devils - the number two seed from the West Region. Though they are from different regions, the two schools that are separated by just 40 miles have a natural rivalry from being so close in proximity. Adding to the familiarity is the fact that the two teams already played earlier in the season- a game that Clark led late before LC eventually won 77-67. Coach Johnson was quick to praise the Penguins' opponent. "They're a great program, obviously, the defending champion. They're balanced, deep, very dangerous from three, and good on the glass. They provide a lot of challenges from a matchup standpoint."

When asked about what it would take to beat LC and make a run in the tournament, the keys for Clark were the same as they have been throughout the year. "Our team can play with anybody," said Johnson. "But our margin for error isn't as large as other teams with deeper rosters. Ball security is key. When we take care of it and rebound, we're tough to beat." Much of the ball security falls in the hands of freshman point guard Ari Richardson. Averaging 17.2 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, Richardson has been clutch at the ends of games and will make free throws when it matters. His 89% mark from the stripe is fourth in the NWAC.

Being in the NWAC tournament isn't new to Johnson or some of the Penguin roster from having qualified last season. Johnson did not feel that his prior experience or that of a few returning players was much an advantage. "I've been here. I've been in lots of tournaments, but I don't play," Johnson explained. "I think it's a bit overrated. If I have to choose between experience and good players, I'll take good players, and I think we've got the type of players who are good enough to win games in this tournament." One of the returning players from last year's team is standout sophomore Noah Tostovrsnik. Tostovrsnik is averaging 13.2 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. Zion Milare also got his feet wet last NWAC Tournament after starting and playing 21 minutes in the game. He scored seven points in the loss to Treasure Valley.

The Penguins played their final regular season game on Saturday, February 21^st, but didn't finalize their seed or know their matchup until late Wednesday night.  Regardless of who the Penguins' opponent was going to be, their focus since the regular season concluded, and over the next few days, is the same according to Johnson. "We've got to get the team rested and get healthy. We finished the regular season with four games in eight days. It's time to recharge the battery and start a new season. A new season is how we're going to look at it."

The new season starts for the Penguins on Wednesday, March 4^th, at 12pm at Columbia Basin College in Pasco, WA. If they advance, they will play in the Elite 8 at 2pm on Thursday against the winner of Peninsula and Treasure Valley. To find the bracket, ticket information, and everything you need to follow along with the tournament run, go to nwacsports.com and click on the link for the championship central.

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