Bulldogs pull away for War on 54 title

The Iola Mustangs fought their way back into contention for the War on 54 Basketball Tournament title, but it was not enough as a pair of 3-pointers in the fourth quarter provided an obstacle too difficult to overcome.

January 26, 2026 - 4:23 PM

The Iola Mustangs with their second-place plaque following Friday’s game. From left, Reed Clift, Mosiah Fawson, Austin Crooks, Colton Thompson, Keegan Hill, Kaden Vega, Roy Gordon, Brennan Coffield and Nick Bauer. Photo by Jimmy Potts / Iola Register

The Iola Mustangs’ bid for the 2026 War on 54 Basketball Tournament title came up a bit short Friday, falling to Pioneer League rival Anderson County 64-62.

A 28-point performance by the Bulldogs’ Brayden Wheat helped thwart the Mustangs’ efforts to overcome a slow start.

Even so, the close contest has the Mustangs itching for a return to the court, said Iola coach Luke Bycroft. The Mustangs host Independence Tuesday night.

“We did enough to get back in the game, but we didn’t do enough to finish the game,” Bycroft said. “We played great…

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