Basketball Game Preview: Wahkiakum Mules vs. Pe Ell Trojans

The Wahkiakum Mules will venture away from home to face off against the Pe Ell Trojans at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday. One thing working in Wahkiakum's favor is that they have posted at least 55 points in their last eight matches.

Last Saturday, Wahkiakum was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap as they fell 63-58 to Willapa Valley. While losing is never fun, the Mules can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Washington basketball rankings (they are ranked 211th, while the Vikings are ranked 105th).

Meanwhile, you can't lose the game if you win every quarter, and that was precisely Pe Ell's strategy against Oakville on Thursday. Pe Ell came out on top against Oakville by a score of 44-32.

Wahkiakum better keep an eye on Blake Nelson. He was instrumental in Pe Ell's win, dropping a double-double on 23 points and 13 boards. Those 13 rebounds gave Nelson a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Calan McCarty, who posted six points along with eight boards and four steals.

Pe Ell smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 20 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 14 offensive boards in five consecutive contests.

Wahkiakum dropped their record down to 10-9 with the defeat, which was their third straight at home. As for Pe Ell, the victory got them back to even at 9-9.

Everything came up roses for Wahkiakum against Pe Ell in their previous matchup back in January, as the squad secured a 68-32 win. The rematch might be a little tougher for Wahkiakum since the team won't have the home-court advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.