Vikes, Ducks top Mule girls

Eight hands reached for a loose ball last week in the Mule-Viking game. Involved for the Mules are, l-r, Shelby Deaton, Kari Schillios and Jordyn Wirkkala. The Wahkiakum Lady Mules basketball team lost two games to tough Central League opponents this past week.

On Tuesday, the Mules traveled to Toutle and lost 51-41 to the Ducks after leading 24-23 at halftime.

The Ducks outscored the Mules 16-9 in the third quarter and 10-8 in the fourth.

"The difference was shooting," said Mule Coach Tim Brown. The Mules made 10 of 33 shots in the first half, 33 percent, and only five of 27 in the second half, 19 percent.

Senior Courtney Helms led the Mule scoring with 14 points. Halie Boyce added 12; Evy Clark and Jordyn Wirkkala each scored five, Shelby Deaton three and Whitley Wirkkala two. Deaton had 13 rebounds and three steals; Ashley Helms had seven rebounds, C. Helms six, and Clark five.

Last Thursday, the Mules lost 67-43 to the Mossyrock Vikings in the Mules' last home game of the season.

The Vikings led 32-26 at halftime and outscored the Mules 21-8 in the third quarter to take control of the game.

C. Helms led the Mule scoring with 15 points; she also had seven rebounds. W. Wirkkala scored nine points; Boyce and Ashley Moore five each, A. Helms four, Deaton three, and Tasha Ford two. Deaton had 10 rebounds and four steals.

"They played well in the first half and only trailed Mossy by six at halftime," Brown said. "The Mules held down Sarah Petrino to 14 points; she had 37 in our first meeting. Elena Belcher, who didn't play the first time, came alive for twe for Mossy, and Corissa Beairsto had 21, connecting on 11 of 12 free throws."

The Mules end their regular season tonight on the road at Morton.

Depending on season ending games Thursday, they could end up sixth place in Central League standings; they would start district play next week at the school of fourth place team from the Pacific League, whose standings are also up in the air.