The Northwest Conference is proud to announce its Student-Athletes of the Week in Basketball for the week of January 20th through January 26th.
Women’s Basketball - Student-Athlete of the Week
Riley Walden I G l Willamette | FR | Tehachapi, Calif. | Tehachapi HS
Walden delivered a dominant weekend performance, leading Willamette Women’s Basketball to an 82–57 win over Lewis & Clark on Friday (1/23/26) and a 65–55 road victory at Pacific on Saturday (1/24/26). Over the two games, she stuffed the stat sheet with 40 points, 21 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks, averaging 20.0 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. She was lights-out offensively, shooting 56% from the field (14–25) and an impressive 69% from three-point range (9–13). Her efficiency, physicality, and all-around impact powered the Bearcats to a perfect weekend and showcased her as one of the most dominant players on the floor.
Men’s Basketball - Student-Athlete of the Week
Sydney Natche I G l George Fox | FR | Sun Valley, Calif. | Village Christian
Natche averaged 26.5 points and five rebounds per game on 53% shooting from the field. The freshman had 29 points, eight of which came in overtime as Fox downed Pacific, 111-107. Natche himself outscored the Boxers in the OT period to help Fox earn the win. Then, on a Friday night game against Linfield, the guard had 24 points on 56% shooting from the field.