Mule boys defeat Fishermen, move to district semifinals

The Wahkiakum Mules boys basketball team beat Ilwaco 48-41 last week in the District 4 2B tournament, and on Wednesday found themselves playing in the semifinals for the first time in recent memory.

"It was definitely an anticipated match up," Coach Todd Souvenir said of Ilwaco. "We knew it was an important district game, and we wanted to get revenge for a loss earlier this season. Neither team got comfortable offensively, but after the first couple minutes, the guys really shifted gears and our defense was checked in and moving well. We did enough offensively to stay in the game and then we had that nice three or four minute stretch to give us a comfortable lead at the right time of the game."

Souvenir praised all his players, especially for their efforts on defense, but had some special words for senior Brodie Avalon.

"Brodie continues to rebound really well," Souvenir said. "That's something he's done really well for us this whole season. He's recognized, especially with Dom [Curl]'s absence, that that is something that is really important to us, and that is something we struggle with at certain moments in games, and I thought he's done a really good job all season of making himself a rebounder."

Zakk Carlson had 19 points. Kyler Saue scored 10 points. Avalon chipped in eight points. Titan Niemela and Jacob Johnson added four points apiece. Maddox Moore finished with three points.

Mules 9 12 14 13 -48

Ilwaco 13 7 13 8 -41

The Mules played Adna in the semifinals of the tournament on Wednesday at Kelso High School. Results were not available by press time.

If they beat Adna, they will play for the district title on Saturday at W.F. West High School at 8 p.m., and be guaranteed a berth at regional games on February 24-25. If they lose, they will play on February 17 and 18, as one of four teams vying for three remaining spots in regional games.

Check the Wahkiakum Eagle Sports Report on Facebook for updates.