Mule boys survive scare on the road

The Wahkiakum Mules opened the 2012/13 basketball season with a narrow 63-58 victory Tuesday night over the perennial bottom-dwelling Winlock Cardinals, coming from behind in the fourth quarter to nip the home team.

After leading by as many as 18 and dominating much of the first half of the game, foul trouble sent two Mule regulars to the bench and the Cardinals managed to fight back from a 30-12 deficit to within three points at the break, trailing 32-29.

Wahkiakum extended their lead to five after three quarters, but not long into the final frame the Cardinals snatched the lead away from the Mules. Winlock didn’t hold onto the lead for long though, as the Mules settled down and put a damper on the Cardinals’ quest for an upset victory.

Lars Blix paved the way for the Mules with a stellar 24 points and 21 rebounds to go along with six steals. Eli McElroy posted a double-double as well, netting 20 points and hauling in 12 boards. Travis Wegdahl added another 10 points, Steven Doumit five, Shane Souvenir three, and Seth Doumit rounded out the scoring with one.

Souvenir handed out five assists while Wegdahl and Blix each tallied three.

The Mules were without returning guard Peter Weiler who suffered a back injury during the Mark Morris jamboree last week. His status going forward is unknown.

The Mules host the Napavine Tigers tonight (Thursday) in their home opener.

The Mule junior varsity squad had a bit easier night as they cruised past Winlock in a 51-33 victory.

Brandon Budd led the Mules with 11 points; Brady LaBerge and Mitchell Dault added nine apiece. LaBerge also recorded eight assists and Dault racked up 10 rebounds.