Wahkiakum girls stop South Bend, fall to Forks

The season ended for the Wahkiakum Mules girls basketball team on Tuesday with a loss to Forks in the double elimination District 4 2B tournament.

They were making their way through the loser bracket of the District 4 2B tournament after falling to Napavine on February 7, hoping to extend their season to regional games.

The loss to Napavine was followed by a 61-31 win against South Bend at Castle Rock High School last Thursday, and the team got a boost of support from the Mini Mules, a group of third and fourth grade girls who shared the bench with them during the game.

“The South Bend game was a lot of fun,” Coach Rob Garrett said. “We went out and shot lights out, which is great as we play on Tuesday in the same gym. The girls played good defense, moved the ball well on offense, and hit a lot of shots. Hopefully that game provides our shooters some offensive confidence walking into [their game against Forks.]”

Reigha Niemeyer led the team with 26 points, five rebounds, five steals, and five assists. Bailey McKinley added 16 points and seven rebounds. Miya Kerstetter scored 11 points, and had seven rebounds and four steals. Jessie LeFever added four points and five rebounds, and Brienna Cothren had four points and six rebounds.

Mules 23 24 9 5 —61

South Bend 10 0 12 9 —31

On Tuesday, the season ended in Castle Rock against Forks, who were 16-6 going into the game. The Lady Mules would not go quietly, scoring 18 points in the final quarter but couldn’t catch up. They lost 71-48.

Niemeyer scored 32 points and had four assists and four steals. Kerstetter added seven points, 11 rebounds, and five steals. Bailey McKinley had six points, nine rebounds, and four assists. Amirah Abdul-Kariem finished the game with three points.

Forks 16 15 18 22 —71

Mules 11 11 8 18 —48