Mules at State

Mules place 4th at State

The Wahkiakum Mule boys basketball team defeated the Darrington Loggers 67-49 to claim fourth place in the Class 2B State Tournament.

The Mules led 13-10 after one quarter and took control of the game in the second to lead 34-23 at halftime. The Mule defense paved the way with seven steals to the Loggers' 2 in the first half; Darrington also led in turnovers 10-2 at halftime. Hayden Miles scored his first eight points of the game in the second quarter; he finished with a game high 23 points. Cody Olsen scored 17, Josh Rongey 12, Tyler Benson 8, Bobby Helms 3, Ty Bain 3 and Chris Diaz 1. Rongey made 4 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals. Miles had 9 rebounds. Helms had 4 rebounds and 3 steals. For the game, the Mules led in steals, 9-2, and rebounds, 35-28. Darrington led in turnovers 15-8.

Mules 63, Lind-Ritzville 33

The Mules jumped to a 22-5 first quarter lead and never looked back as the Broncos never found defensive answers to the Mules' balanced attack. Here's a report from Associate Photographer Steve McClain in Spokane: "We played another good game and jumped on L-R right off the jump. They got within 12 after the half, but the Mules held and eventually built a 25 point lead. Coach Olsen started clearing the bench with 3:20 or so to go and they provided the final 30 point margin. The win guaranteed another state trophy for the Mules and put them in today's battle for fourth and seventh places with the Darrington Loggers. Game time is 1:45 p.m.

Mules vs Toutle Lake / Mules vs Lind-Ritzville -- Steve McClain photos

Tyler Benson put up a shot over the Toutle Lake defense. Tyler Benson went for a block against a Bronco. Cody Olsen hit from long range against Toutle Lake.

Ross Lofstrom put up a shot as the Mule reserves completed the game against Lind-Ritzville.

Ducks 56, Mules 51

The Mules gave unbeaten Toutle Lake more than the Ducks could handle for much of the quarterfinal game, but Toutle took the lead in the last three minutes and held on to win 56-51. The Mules today play Lind-Ritzville at 2 p.m. The loser is out; the winner advances to play the winner of the LaConnor-Darrington game for fourth and seventh places.

Mules 51, Dragons 47

On Wednesday, the Wahkiakum Mules opened the 2008 Class 2B State Basketball Tournament in Spokane with a 51-47over the St. George's Dragons.

The Mules will play the undefeated Toutle Lake Ducks tonight (Thursday) in the quarterfinals. Game time is 9 p.m.

Mules vs. Dragons - Steve McClain Photos

Josh Rongey drove for a layin against the Dragons Tyler Benson put up a shot Tyler Benson got above the Dragon defense for a bucket. Josh Rongey drove for a layin.