Comettes claim KM Trophy game

The Naselle Comettes claimed the girls' KM Trophy with a 63-32 win over the Wahkiakum Mules last Thursday.

The Comettes roared to an 18-5 first quarter lead and never let the Mules into the game.

Carly Kitzman led the scoring, scoring 36 points for the Comettes. Makenzie Matthews added 10, Katie Green six, Victoria Corona and Ciara Sandell four each, and Briannan Olson two.

Sam Boyce led the Mule scoring with 11 points. Baylee Olsen added eight, Haylee Budd seven, and Brianne Helms and Marissa Washington three each. The Mules, playing without senior starters Blaine Land because of a medical issue and Brieanna Olsen, who sprained her wrist and thumb, made only eight of 53 shots, 15 percent.

On Tuesday, the Mules were leading the visiting Kalama Chinooks 33-32 three minutes into the third quarter when things came apart. A series of turnovers gave Kalama control of the game, and the Chinooks won 61-50.

The Mules made a healthy 20 of 55 shots, 36 percent, and six of nine free throws, 67 percent, but they also made 45 turnovers in the game.

"We need to play better basketball," said Mule Coach Tiffany Niemeyer. "You can't win a game with 45 turnovers."

Maya Stanley led the Mule scoring with 14 points. Baylee Olsen scored 11, Marissa Washington seven, Haylee Budd and Sam Boyce six each, Brianne Helms four, and Ashley Silva two.

Budd grabbed nine rebounds, and Olsen had eight. Boyce made five steals and five assists; Olsen had four assists.

Mule teams are taking part in holiday tournaments this week. The junior varsity is competing in the Kelso JV Tournament Wednesday and Thursday, and the varsity heads east of the mountains to Dayton for a tournament Thursday and Friday. The Mules are at Napavine on January 3 and entertain Morton/White Pass on January 5.