Mules win 2, lose 1; host Comets for KM Trophy

The Wahkiakum Mules boys basketball team started the season with two wins and a loss this week.

Last Saturday they traveled to Naselle to face an old rival, the Comets. The Mules won 59-54.

"It was a little ugly to say the least," Coach Todd Souvenir said initially. "I thought we worked hard but at times got out of position on defense and gave up too many easy shots. Offensively we shot the ball well in the first half but forced things and made some bad decisions in the fourth quarter.

"Overall it was a good game and I loved how hard the boys worked on the defensive end."

Senior Hank Ferguson led the team with 16 points and five assists. Sophomore Luke Brown had a double double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Sophomore Evan Quigley scored 13 points and had 10 boards. Freshman Santos Wright scored eight points. Sophomore James Anderson and a 6'2" freshman, K.C. Beery added four more points apiece.

On Monday, the Mules began a series of four home games this week with a win against South Bend, 44-34.

"We came out and played with some confidence offensively in the first quarter and then cooled off and relied on our defense the rest of the game," Souvenir said. "I was happy with the effort but we will need to be more efficient offensively as the team progresses."

L. Brown had a second double double for the week with 15 points and 11 rebounds. He also had six steals and five assists. Ferguson had 13 points and seven rebounds. Quigley added 10 points. Anderson had three points, Beery had two, and Casey Wilson scored one.

On Tuesday, the Mules suffered their first loss of the season against Winlock, 30-45. The teams were tied at half time, but the Cardinals were a physical and aggressive defensive team. They came out after half time in a full court press and outscored the Mules in the third quarter 18-6.

"We played great defense tonight and the kids worked their tails off against a bigger team," Souvenir said, "but we just couldn't find any rhythm on the offensive end. I thought we were getting the shots we wanted but we couldn't buy a bucket tonight. I was proud of this young group for playing until the end, even though they were struggling offensively."

"The atmosphere in the gym was awesome tonight," Souvenir added. "The student section and the crowd were loud and energetic the entire game, which gives the boys that little bit of extra energy they need, along with making it difficult for the opposing team and a fun experience for the coach and team."

Ferguson scored more than half the Mule points, finishing with 20. He also had nine rebounds. Wright and Beery added three, Quigley and Wilson had two each.

Junior Zach Brown is out with a broken bone. According to Souvenir, he should be able to begin practicing after the first of the year.

The Mules face Toledo at home tonight (Thursday) and Naselle comes to town on Saturday. Varsity games are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.