Mule boys recover from early district loss

After losing a heartbreaker to Northwest Christian last week the Wahkiakum Mules boys basketball team kept their state dreams alive on Monday when they defeated Ilwaco in the District IV 2B tournament.

On Thursday, the boys got off to a slow start against Northwest Christian, but outscored their opponent by 13 points in the fourth quarter to tie up the game, only to lose in the last moments, 53-51.

“We couldn’t buy a shot in the first half but played good defense, holding them to 21 and trailing by eight at the half,” Coach Todd Souvenir said. “In the second half, we got a little confidence on the offensive end, and played with some passion and energy. We started the fourth down by 15, and made a great run to tie the game with six seconds left, only to have them hit a tough shot at the buzzer. I was proud of the guys for battling back and not giving up.”

Jake Leitz had a double double with 19 points and 19 rebounds. He also had four blocks. Brody Carlson scored 15 points and pulled down seven boards. Logan LaBerge had 11 points. Brodie Avalon and K.C. Beery added three points apiece.

NW Christian 6 15 21 11 --53

Mules 8 5 14 24 --51

The loss to NW Christian sent the Mules to the loser bracket, where one more loss could end their season.

On Monday, the team defeated Ilwaco in a loser out game, 56-52.

“What a game!” Coach Souvenir said. “Definitely a tale of two halves. We came out strong on both ends and executed the game plan perfectly on the defensive end. Offensively, we really moved the ball well and found the open guy. We hit our shots, scoring 41 and holding them to 17. In the second half, we knew they would make a run, but didn’t expect them to hit eight threes and shut us down with a physical man to man defense. It was a great game and a good experience for us to go through especially since we got the win and get to play another day. I was proud of how we finished the game, making a couple clutch shots down the stretch.”

Avalon led the team with 18 points and five rebounds. Leitz added 17 points and pulled down 20 boards. LaBerge scored 11 points and had five assists. Carlson had four points and eight rebounds. Beery finished the game with six points.

Mules 19 22 5 10 --56

Ilwaco 2 15 21 14 --52

The Mules faced Ocosta in a loser out game on Wednesday. The score was not available by press time. Check The Wahkiakum Eagle Sports Report on Facebook for updates.