Ice cold first half costs Clark Fork boys

MULLAN — Spurred by 10 points in the opening moments by Mullan senior Jesse James, the Tigers jumped out to a early advantage and were able to hang on late as they defeated the Clark Fork Wampus Cats 40-34 in a defensive slugfest at the Mullan Pavilion.

James, who hit for the Tigers first points on the night, finished with a team-high 15 points and 11 rebounds as the Tigers held Clark Fork (2-6, 1-2) to six points in the first half on Wednesday.

Clark Fork would mount a rally on scores from Brian Young, Mike Martin and Tyler Broggi, getting to within a 24-21 deficit at the end of the third quarter in Mullan.

After a three-pointer by James, Mullan would continue to stretch the advantage before points from Broggi would get Clark Fork within a five-point deficit with under four minutes to play.

Mullan would hold off a late rally as they closed the game with a 40-34 win.

Broggi led the Wampus Cats with 16 points, followed by Martin with 11 points.

Cory Pehan finished with nine points and 11 rebounds for Mullan.

"We had a poor first half with only six points, and that's just not acceptable on the high school level," said Cats' coach Brian Powell. "The kids decided they wanted to play in the second half, we just didn't have enough gas to finish. I'm proud they didn't give up; they competed."

Clark Fork hosts Lakeside at 6 p.m. on Friday.

Clark Fork 4 2 15 13 — 34

Mullan 12 7 5 16 — 40

CLARK FORK — M. Martin 11, Ty. Broggi 16, Young 7.

MULLAN — Ra. Auger 3, Ja. Ploharz 2, James 15, Jo. Ploharz 7, Murray 4, Pehan 9.