White Pass tops Mules in district

The Wahkiakum Mule boys basketball team lost the opening game of the district tournament on Monday.

The White Pass Panthers topped the Mules 58-55 in the first round of district.

The Mules started fast with a 13-7 first quarter advantage; they held a 28-23 lead at halftime.

The third quarter belonged to White Pass. The Mules made only six points and the Panthers bombed the basket for 17 points and a 40-34 lead going into the fourth quarter.

The Mules rallied in the final period, closing the gap to one point on baskets by John Chambers, Wyatt Parker and Cody Olsen.

White Pass connected on two free throws with seven seconds left, and Olsen wasn't able to connect on a long shot at the buzzer.

Chambers led the Mules with 19 points, four steals and three assists. Olsen put in 12 points, Parker 10, Justin McClain seven, Brad Pugh four, and Troy Howard three.

The Mules play on Saturday against an opponent to be determined Wednesday. The season will end with another loss. The winner will play Tuesday, 8 p.m. in Centralia.