The Yakima Valley men's basketball team finished 2025 by splitting a pair of non-league games at the Everett Classic on Dec. 28-29.

In Sunday's opener against Everett, the Yaks bounced back from a four-point halftime deficit to take down the tournament hosts, 77-70. Shane Rivera led four players in double figures with 22 points and also had five assists, five rebounds and two steals.

Cesar Hernandez scored 18 to go with three rebounds and three assists, while Kal-El Gentles put up 15 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Koby McClure recorded 14 points, five boards and four assists as the Yaks shot 43.8% (28-of-64) from the field.

On Monday, YVC put up a good fight against Skagit Valley but ended up dropping a close one, 91-88. Hernandez led the way with 25 points, Gentles had 16 and McClure added 13 as the Yaks stayed with the one-loss Cardinals to the very end. Marcelino Armendariz racked up 16 points and five assists off the bench, while fellow reserve Christian von Bruck put up three points, four rebounds and three assists. Rivera posted nine points and seven boards to help YVC shoot 50.8% (32-of-63) from the floor.

The Yaks (4-6 overall) will return to action Wednesday at home when it hosts Blue Mountain in the NWAC East opener.