Mule girls fall to Pe Ell, White Pass

The Wahkiakum Lady Mules basketball team played well but couldn't overcome two opponents in Central League action this week.

On January 17, the Mules rallied but failed to overtake the Pe Ell Trojans in a 54-48 loss.

The Mules led 14-12 after one quarter but trailed 27-21 at halftime and 38-30 after three quarters. They outscored the Trojans 18-16 in the final quarter.

"Seven more free throws for Pe Ell was the difference," said Mule Coach Tim Brown. "Foul trouble hurt the Mules, with the two leading scorers, Courtney Helms and Jordyn Wirkkala fouling out."

The Trojans made 17 of 33 free throws, 52 percent; the Mules made 11 of 26, 42 percent.

C. Helms led the Mule scoring with 12 points. J. Wirkkala added nine, Whitley Wirkkala seven, Halie Boyce and Evelyn Clark six each, Shelby Deaton five, and Ashley Moore three.

Deaton grabbed 21 rebounds; J. Wirkkala seven, W. Wirkkala five, and Ashley Helms and Clark four each. Clark made five steals; C. Helms had four.

On January 15, the Mules lost 67-46 at White Pass. The Panthers led 31-25 at halftime but outscored the Mules 16-6 in the third quarter to take control.

"The Lady Mules stayed close once again but just couldn't sustain the effort," Brown said. "They pulled within four after the break, but then it was like a lid was put on the rim as they went 8 for 24. Twenty-eight turnovers were also an Achilles heel.

"Ashley Moore led the Mules in scoring with a break out game, scoring 19 on six for eight from the three-point line, this in only two quarters since she also played two quarters on junior varsity, scoring 15."

Besides Moore's 19, Deaton had eight points, W. Wirkkala six, C. Helms five, and J. Wirkkala and Tasha Ford four each.

Deaton had 10 rebounds and five assists. C. Helms had four steals, and Boyce made five assists.

Breanna Moody scored 29 points for White Pass, and Mikel Elliott added 20.

The Mules made four of 14 free throws, 29 percent, and the Panthers made 15 of 25, 60 percent.

On Tuesday, the Lady Mules entertained the Napavine Tigers and lost 59-34.

"Napavine is just too deep at the key positions," Brown commented.

Moore led the Mule scoring with 11 points. C. Helms had six; Clark, A. Helms and Kari Schillios all had four, Deaton three and Boyce two.

Deaton had nine rebounds; W. Wirkkala had three steals.

The Mules entertain Adna next Tuesday and Mossyrock next Thursday, their last home game of the season.