Mules lose to Ducks,beat Vikings 77-44

Mules lose to Ducks, beat Vikings 77-44

The Wahkiakum Mule boys basketball team split in Central League games this week.

Monday at undefeated Toutle Lake, the Mules had trouble with the Duck press and lost 62-44. The Mules made 29 turnovers, 13 in the first quarter which ended with the Ducks ahead 17-9. The Mules outscored the Ducks 12-9 in the second quarter to trail 26-21 at halftime. They closed the gap to four points in the third quarter, but the Ducks went on a run and the Mules couldn't make up the difference, especially in the fourth quarter, when the Ducks converted free throws for a 23-13 advantage.

Josh Rongey led the Mule scoring with 13 points. Bobby Helms and Tyler Benson each had eight, Hayden Miles six, Chase Fritzie five and Ross Lofstrom four.

Rongey and Benson each had seven rebounds, and Rongey made three steals.

After a slow start, the Mules thumped Mossyrock 77-44 last Thursday night.

Both teams started the game with good defense that caused turnovers, but the Mules adjusted and the Vikings didn't. Guards Rongey and Helms drove along the key either for layins or inside passes to postmen Benson and Miles, and Mossyrock had no answer. The Mules finished the first quarter leading 19-8; they led 33-18 at halftime and 55-26 after three quarters.

Rongey led the Mule scoring with 21 points. Cody Olsen put in 17, 16 in the second half, Helms 12, Benson 11, Miles 10, Drew Windsor three, and all with one, Chris Diaz, Lofstrom and Fritzie. Benson had 11 rebounds.

The Mules head to Vancouver Christian Friday for a league game and host La Center Saturday in a non-league test. They entertain White Pass on Wednesday.