Submitted photo – The Ferndale girls are outright Little 4 champions after defeating Hoopa on Wednesday night.

The Ferndale Wildcats made it five wins in five league games on Wednesday night on their way to clinching the Little 4 championship outright in girls basketball for the first time since 2013.

Even without standout sophomore Haidyn Fulton, the Cats were too much for a Hoopa team playing its third game in three nights, and won 61-43.

“We are thrilled to win the Little 4 league championship,” first-year head coach Terra Albee said. “After not getting a chance last year to have a regular season, we feel incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to play and compete this year.”

The win gives the Cats a first-round bye in next week’s Dick Niclai tournament.

Wednesday’s game was a physical one and closer than the final score would indicate, according to the Ferndale coach, who praised the Hoopa players for making a number of runs and never giving up.

Kyla Albee paced the Wildcats with 16 points, 11 rebounds, five steals and four assists, while Emily Chavez finished with 13 points, three steals and two assists.

“She was a great leader out there and she really worked hard,” the head coach said of Chavez.

Reaghan Langer added 11 points and eight rebounds; Sierra Fulton had eight points and four rebounds; Carly Carmesin had seven points and eight rebounds; Gabby Rice had six points and four boards; and Clara Christiansen had three assists.

“I am so proud of this young team and all of their accomplishments,” Terra Albee said. “We have plenty of work left to do this season and I feel my team is up for the challenge. Meanwhile, we are enjoying every minute we get on the court doing what we love.”

The team’s two seniors — Sierra Fulton and Rice — were both honored before the game.

“They played really well and they finished strong in their last home game (of the regular season),” the head coach said. “I’m really proud of the way they played.”

The Cats are hoping to have Haidyn Fulton back for Friday’s league finale at Hoopa.