Mules stop Pirates

Courtney Helms drove through the Adna defense in the Mules' win Tuesday. The Wahkiakum Lady Mules basketball team defeated the Adna Pirates 52-40 Tuesday to remain in contention for a berth in the Class 2B Girls Basketball Tournament.

The Mules took the lead early in the first quarter and never relinquished it. They led 11-9 after one quarter, 24-19 at halftime, and 41-23 after three quarters.

"Wahkiakum played real aggressively from the start," Mule Coach Tim Brown commented. "The third quarter was impressive with the Mules outscoring Adna 17-4."

The Mules used a full-court press the whole game, and Adna's offense and defense unraveled in the third quarter.

"Three scores in double figures and Shelby Deaton's 11 rebounds were the difference," Brown said.

Courtney Helms and Jordyn Wirkkala led balanced scoring with 12 points apiece. Whitley Wirkkala added 10, Deaton scored five, Halie Boyce and Kari Schillios four each, Ashley Moore and Tasha Ford two each, and Evy Clark one.

Ashley Helms didn't score, but she contributed five rebounds and four steals. The Wirkkala sisters each had seven rebounds.

The win put the Mules in sole possession of sixth place in the Central League ahead of Adna and Morton.

The Mules entertain Mossyrock in their final home game tonight (Thursday). They close out the regular season on the road at Toutle on Tuesday and at Morton on Thursday.