SOUTH BEND – The Naselle Comettes are the undisputed champions of Pacific League girls basketball. They made that title official with a 45-25 win over the South Bend Indians Wednesday, Jan. 5. After beating the Willapa Valley Vikings to assure themselves of a tie for the title two days earlier, NHS got the clear-cut championship with this win. The Comettes’ league record climbed to 15-0 and 19-0 overall.

This low scoring game was very similar to the Comettes’ first win over the Indians last month when NHS won 42-28. NHS took an early lead, their defense clamped down on the Indians and they methodically worked their way to a twenty point win.

Assistant coach Tim Wirkkala said, “Dawn (Herman) got us going with her defense and hustle in every part of the game. She took us out of our early lethargy. Fritha (Davern) had a great all around game, in spite of being in a serious car wreck a day earlier. She scored, rebounded and stole the ball. Her shot selection was great..”

Naselle led 14-7 after one, 26-12 at the half. They continued to shut down the SB offense as the Indians were held to single digit scoring in all four of the quarters. NHS led 34-17 after three periods on their way to their 45-25 win.

Nora Darcher led the Naselle offense with 16 points. Fritha Davern added 14 points, swept the boards for 13 rebounds and she made six steals.

Naselle 14 12 8 11 – 45

SB 7 5 5 8 – 25

Naselle (45) – Nora Darcher 16, Fritha Davern 14, Pauly 5, Rubio 5, Klinger 3, Smith 2, Herman, Revis; FG – 17/45 = 38 percent, 3/8, 8/14; Rebounds (38): Davern 13, Smith 8, Pauly 6; Assists: Smith 5; Steals: Davern 6

South Bend (25) – Whitney Marte 17, Williams 2, Denny 2, Brennan 2, Marrow 1, Lynn 1; FG – 11/39=28 percent, 3s – 0/2, FT – 5/17s