Isaiah Smith had 26 points and nine rebounds as the first-place Chieftains (13-5, 8-0) turned back a second-half rally by the Hilanders in Class 3A GSHL action.
Smith scored 10 points in the first quarter as Columbia River built a 21-8 advantage.
“We got some turnovers, got things swinging our way,” River coach David Long said.
By halftime, the lead was 32-15. But Kelso bounced back, pulling within three points during the third quarter.
“They turned it around, did a nice job,” Long said. “They made it interesting.”
Devin Bolds finished with seven points, five rebounds, five assists, and five steals for the Chieftains.
COLUMBIA RIVER 58, KELSO 46
COLUMBIA RIVER — Devin Bolds 7, Eli Evenson 0, Bryan Wyche 3, Terelle Bolton 0, Nathan Hawthorne 5, Lance Voorhees 3, Torey Jones 4, Rian Bassett 3, Chandler Holt 3, Clark Bryant 4, Justin Gwinn 0, Dallin Scheidel 0, Isaiah Smith 26. Totals 21 (4) 12-16 58.
