By Diana Zimmerman

The Wahkiakum Mules girls basketball team is back to their old tricks with two wins after a season starting loss to Ilwaco.

Despite the 49-46 loss to Ilwaco Nov. 30, it was a good game, according to Coach Rob Garrett, marred by an "ice cold" third quarter, when the team only scored one point.

"We gave up too many second chance opportunities to Ilwaco in the long run," Garrett said. "I was really proud of the girls for battling back. We made a lot of good decisions down the stretch which ultimately led to an opportunity to tie it up and it just didn't go our way."

Reigha Niemeyer scored 20 points in the season opener and had six rebounds and four assists. Miya Kerstetter added 11 points, 10 rebounds, and three steals. Bailey McKinley had six points and 12 rebounds. Amirah Abdul Kariem had five points and four steals. Jessie LaFever had four points.

On Friday, Wahkiakum hosted their old rivals from Naselle and beat the Comets 58-38 to retain the KM trophy another year.

The Lady Mules took control early with Niemeyer and Kerstetter leading the way offensively, Garrett said.

"I thought the team played really well together," he said. "Our rotation was great, especially being so early in the season. I thought it was a great team win with everyone working hard at their role."

Niemeyer had 22 points, four assists, and six steals. Kerstetter added 21 points, four assists, and eight steals. LaFever scored seven points and McKinley added six. Genevieve Fleming had two points and 11 rebounds.

On Monday, the team traveled to La Center, where they beat the Wildcats 47-38.

It was an ugly game, according to Garrett, and the Lady Mules were feeling a little beat up with sickness and injury.

"It wasn't what we like to see but we were happy to get out of there with a W," he said. "The highlight of the night was eighth grader Brie Cothren's buzzer beater at the end of the third to give us a big momentum boost heading into the fourth quarter."

Ian Brandon

Lady Mule Jessie Lafever chases a loose ball against the Naselle Comettes.

Kerstetter led with 20 points. Niemeyer had 19 points, four assists, and nine rebounds. McKinley added three points and 11 rebounds. LaFever had three points. Brienna Cothren added two. Fleming pulled down seven boards.

The Lady Mules traveled to Napavine on Wednesday after The Eagle had gone to press. They travel to Onalaska on Friday and to Kalama next Wednesday.