Mules' struggles continue this week

It was a tough week for Wahkiakum Mule players, coaches, and fans alike as the team dropped two road games and one at home, pushing their season-high losing streak to five games.

Last Thursday the Mules hosted the Napavine Tigers and much like their entire season has gone, the offense failed to gain any momentum early, scoring just 21 points through the first three quarters before finding a rhythm in the fourth that netted 16 points for a disappointing 65-37 loss.

Wyatt Parker was the lone Mule in double-figures with 16 points to go along with 7 rebounds. John Chambers added 8 points and 2 steals with Brett Chaput contributing on the glass with 8 boards. Ryan Helms tossed in 5 points and grabbed 4 rebounds.

Saturday, the team traveled to Toutle Lake to face the Ducks and despite a decent first half that had the Mules trailing by three, the team defense couldn't control the Ducks in the second half, allowing 41 points in a 64-48 loss.

Chaput led the way in scoring and rebounding with 14 and 7, respectively, while Peter Wieler added 8 points and Lars Blix 7. Blix also grabbed 5 boards with Parker pulling in 6. Chambers and Joel Nicolazzi each handed out 3 assists and had 2 steals.

Tuesday night’s trip to Morton to face the Morton-White Pass Timberwolves resulted in a 64-45 Mule loss. The Mules scored 32 points in the first half but only 13 in the second half.

Nicolazzi netted 14 and dished out 4 assists while Chaput added 8 points and 14 rebounds. Chambers tossed in 7 more, with Parker and Blix adding 5 apiece, Helms 4, and Brandon Fudge 2. Wieler grabbed 2 rebounds in limited playing time as he left the game early after being struck in the face with an intentionally thrown elbow from one of the Timberwolves’ players during a dead ball.

The junior varsity squad was a little more successful this past week, beating Napavine 48-38 at home, but suffering close losses at Toutle, 41-38, and at Morton-White Pass, 44-42.

Shane Souvenir scored a season-high 15 against the Tigers while Eli McElroy was right behind him with 14. Seth Doumit added 7 and Steven Doumit 6. Against the Ducks, McElroy paced the short-handed Mules with 13 with Steven Doumit adding 11. Souvenir tossed in 6, Seth Doumit 5, and Travis Wegdahl 3.

At Morton McElroy led again with 15 and Souvenir added 10, Wegdahl 8, Seth Doumit 6 and Steven Doumit 3.

The Mules finish out the regular season tonight (Thursday)at home against the Pe Ell Trojans as they look to put an end to their losing skid and enter districts on a high note.