The Wahkiakum Mule boys basketball team put up a valiant fight to extend their season in district play last Friday, but Napavine was just too much and won the loser out game 57-51.

“It was a tough loss for the guys,” Coach Todd Souvenir said. “We really worked hard and followed the game plan. On the defensive end we just couldn’t control the glass and limit them to one shot which ended up costing us.”

The Mules trailed by six at the half, but pulled even with the Tigers in the third.

“In the fourth, it was back and forth the entire quarter until they took a three point lead. With under two to go, Logan (LaBerge) hit a clutch three to tie the game at 51. After a time out we came out in a trap trying to keep the ball out of Dawson Stanley’s hands and make someone else make a shot. The plan worked but we couldn’t control the boards. They got an easy out and the foul to give them a three point lead.

“We are really going to miss our three seniors,” Coach Souvenir said. “I thought they left it all on the court.”

It was the final season for Luke Brown, Evan Quigley, and Quentin Nelson.

Brown had 17 points and five rebounds. LaBerge finished the game with 16 points, all of which were scored in the second half. Brody Carlson scored nine points. Nelson added six points and five rebounds. Jake Leitz scored three points.

Napavine’s Dawson Stanley finished the game with 23 points.

Mules 14 7 16 14 --51

Napavine 12 15 10 20 --57