Basketball Recap: Willapa Valley Takes a Loss

Willapa Valley lost against Pe Ell back in December of 2024 and unfortunately they wound up with the same result on Saturday. The Willapa Valley Vikings had to suffer through a 55-21 loss at the hands of the Pe Ell Trojans. While losing is never fun, the Vikings can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Washington basketball rankings (they are ranked 224th, while the Trojans are ranked 108th).

Willapa Valley's loss came despite strong showings from Addison Merkel and Paislee Hurley. Merkel posted seven points and five steals, while Hurley had two points and four blocks. Rhian Verboomen also deserves some recognition as she scored her first points of the season.

Pe Ell was led to victory by Karli Phelps and Maisy King. Phelps almost dropped a double-double on 14 points and nine assists, while King dropped a double-double on 12 points and ten steals. Phelps is also on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in the last seven games she's played. Madi Engel was another key player, putting up eight points.

This is the second loss in a row for Willapa Valley and nudges their season record down to 7-8. As for Pe Ell, the victory keeps them at an undefeated 15-0.

Willapa Valley wasted no time getting back out on the court and has already played their next game, a 44-29 win against Naselle on the 27th. As for Pe Ell, they will head out on the road to square off against Oakville at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday.