Mules hand Panthers a 64-57 defeat

The Wahkiakum Mule boys basketball team used a third quarter explosion to post a 64-57 Central League victory over the White Pass Panthers last Friday.

The Mules had a good start and led 16-12 after one quarter. The lid went on the basket, however, and the visiting Panthers led 25-22 at halftime.

The Panthers boosted that lead to eight points in the third quarter. That's when the Mules came alive. Steals and rebounds generated offense, and Brad Pugh, Troy Howard and Cody Olsen hit some shots to get the team going. They outscored the Panthers 23-18 in the quarter to lead 45-43 at the end of the frame.

They kept the momentum in the fourth quarter, outscoring White Pass down the stretch 19-14, to claim the 64-57 win.

Olsen led the scoring with 27 points. Pugh had 11, Howard 10, John Chambers seven, Wyatt Parker five and Ty Bain four.

Howard had five rebounds and five assists, and Olsen, Pugh and Parker all had five rebounds. Chambers made four steals.

The game was the last home game for Mule seniors Pugh, Bain, Olsen, Howard, Cole Claussen, Justin McClain, and Andrew Weiler.

The Mules played at Mossyrock last night (Wednesday) after The Eagle went to press. They go to league-leading Adna on Saturday and then to Napavine on Tuesday to close out the season.