SPOKANE — The Wahkiakum boys basketball squade went 1-2 at the WIAA 2B state tournament. They were eliminated one step from the trophy round.

The Mules had advanced to play at the Spokane Arena by eliminating Liberty (Spangle) 66-53 in a regional playoff. Wahkiakum began the tournament by defeating Tri-Cities Prep 76-57. High scorers were Zakk Carlson, with 25 points, and Kyler Sause, who tallied 23.

The lead changed nine times in the early stages of the loser-out contest and the Jaguars were ahead by a point as the first quarter ended. Wahkiakum led 31-25 at the half, then a strong third quarter established a lead that the Tri-Cities team was unable to reduce, despite an even-scoring final quarter.

It wasn’t so bright against eventual champions Colfax, which had five players sinking three-pointers and three scorers reaching double figures in a 68-31 win. The Bulldogs surged to a 20-3 first-quarter lead and continued to pile on the points, leading by 40 before Wahkiakum reduced the deficit. Carlson was the Mules’ high scorer, with 10.

WHS next faced Northwest Christian from Colbert in Spokane County. The Crusaders prevailed 73-55, having established an early 19-11 lead. It was 36-22 at the half, but the Mules surged in the third quarter and came within a point before the Colbert squad ended Wahkiakum’s season with a high-scoring fourth quarter.

Carlson again had WHS’ highest points tally with 23, including five three-pointers, and Parker Leitz had 16.

On the Mules’ varsity squad at state with Carlson, Sause and Leitz were Jacob Johnson, Nathan Garrett, Jayden Stoddard, Grant Wilson, Cooper Carlson, Gage Robinson and Dane Sexton. The team is coached by WHS’ athletic director, Rob Garrett.

In the championship game, Colfax beat top-ranked Columbia Burbank from the Tri-Cities 65-52. Adna, which eliminated Toutle Lake, placed fourth, defeating Northwest Christian 65-64. No. 2-ranked Napavine, which lost its semifinal to Colfax, placed fifth.

Band praised

Some other representatives of Wahkiakum High School earned kudos for their actions at the state tournament. The WHS band performed to support the Naselle team for its game.

Their neighborly actions delighted Comet supporters.

“They went above and beyond by acquiring the music for our fight song, learning it at Spokane, and playing it fantastically,” said NHS music teacher Karen Nelson. “And, they supported our cheerleaders by joining in the chants. Way cool!”

Amber Frank, the Comets’ cross country coach, echoed the sentiment. “I think it is awesome, since we will be the same classifications and district next year,” she said.