Naselle senior guard Kolby Glenn (5) drives the lane versus Willapa Valley.

NASELLE — The Naselle Comets boys basketball team (14-1) lost a league-deciding championship game against Willapa Valley (11-3) 59-53 on Tuesday, June 1 in Naselle.

The Comets, who defeated Willapa Valley earlier in the season (78-56), will have an opportunity at redemption when they face their rival for a third time, and this for a district championship on Tuesday, June 8 in Oakville. Results from the game were not available as of the Observer’s afternoon press time.

The Comets got off to a hot start, racing to a 6-0 leaded behind three-pointers by senior Warren Wirkkala and sophomore Kolten Lindstrom.

Willapa Valley responded by recapturing the lead 13-8 behind a barrage of three-pointers of their own by sophomore Riley Pearson, culminating in a 22-19 lead after the first quarter.

After a feverish opening quarter, both teams slowed their pace in the second quarter, and Willapa Valley took a 30-26 lead into the half.

In the third quarter, Naselle briefly recaptured the lead 31-30 following a Jimmy Strange steal and three-pointer by Kolten Lindstrom.

But Willapa Valley closed the quarter with a 5-0 run to take a 45-37 advantage into the final quarter. Naselle was unable to close the distance, losing a 59-53 decision.