Chinooks edge Lady Mules in title game

Despite some thrilling three point shooting, the Lady Mules basketball team lost their first game this year to the Kalama Chinooks in the District IV 2B Championship game, 49-67.

Kalama was motivated, there was no mistaking it. The Chinooks are ranked third in the WIAA RPI and two of their three losses this season were to the Lady Mules.

Kalama pulled ahead in the second quarter by double digits, but the Lady Mules fought their way back, hitting three pointer after three pointer after three pointer, to pull within six at halftime.

When Mule senior Peyton Souvenir, who is averaging 24.12 points per game this season, fouled out in the third quarter, a shock of pleasure pulsed through the Kalama team and their fans. A roar filled the cavernous W.F. West High School gym in Chehalis, and for a moment, the Chinook coach and her bench showed their teeth, more wolves than athletic competitors.

For the first time all season, the Lady Mules looked lost. No one on the team stepped up to pick up Souvenir's slack, though they tried. Their shots just wouldn't fall.

Souvenir finished the game with 12 points. Macie Elliott scored 11 points. Savannah Burdick also had 11 points and led the team in rebounds with six. Maddy Mace scored six points. Ellie Leitz had four points. Paige Mace and Sydney Hansen had two points apiece. Charlie Ashe scored one point.

The Lady Mules scored 30 of their 49 points from behind the three point line.

"We are excited to get back on the court after not playing up to our standards last time out," Coach Rob Garrett said on Tuesday. "Should be a good game leading up to Spokane."

Regional play is scheduled for this Saturday at Mark Morris High School, where the Lady Mules will face eastern Washington's Davenport at 4 p.m. The winner will get a bye for the first day of the state tournament; the loser plays the winner of the Adna-Napavine regional game.

The state tournament starts March 1 in the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena.