Vogel leads Cats past Tigers in opener

CLARK FORK — Sophomore Tessa Vogel celebrated her 16th birthday in style, dropping in a game-high nine points to go with 11 rebounds and six steals, leading Clark Fork to a 41-18 win over Mullan in the season-opening North Star League tournament at Clark Fork High School.

Celeste Komanec added nine points and six assists, Zara Palmer scored eight and Dimi Kailang added seven as the Wampus Cats (1-0) spread the scoring load around in their season opener. Brocklynn Thornton chipped in with three points and six assists, as the Cats blew the game open with a decisive 17-3 second quarter.

“The girls had hustle and the desire to get out and go tonight,” said Cats head coach Dexter Vogel, who liked the hard work of his daughter Tessa on the blocks. “She was stealing entry passes and worked hard under the bucket. It was one of those nights where a lot of balls fell toward her.”

Morgan Koenig led the Tigers (0-3) with six points.

The Wampus Cats face Lakeside, which beat Wallace 43-34 in the other game, today at 2:30 p.m. in Clark Fork.

Mullan        6   3     5   4 — 18

Clark Fork  6   17  13   5 — 41

MULLAN — Richey 0, Gribble 0, McKinnon 5, Kotchevar 1, S. Koenig 2, M. Koenig 6, Axtman 4.

CLARK FORK — Palmer 8, Kiebert 0, McMahon 0, Vogel 9, Litrell 0, Kailang 7, Komanec 9, Thornton 3, Wurm 0, Van Buren 5.