IMS Ponies roll past Royster

Iola Middle School’s basketball teams went 3-for-3 on the court Thursday against visiting Roy-ster Middle School of Chanute.
None was more impressive than Iola’s eighth-grade squad, which shut out the Rockets over the last two quarters in a 28-6 romp.
The seventh-grade contest was at the other end of the spectrum, with Iola emerging with a 17-16 nail-biting win.
The B team also emerged victorious, 6-4 over Royster.
The eighth-graders have strung together multiple dominant defensive games in a row, capped by Thursday’s rout.
Iola’s guards harassed Roy-ster’s from start to finish. Then when the Rockets were able to get the ball inside, Iola’s post players were there to get blocks or hamper shots enough that none would fall.
“These girls gave up two field goals all night,” IMS coach Marty Taylor said in an email. “That shows the effort they play with. Defense doesn’t just happen. These girls take pride in making stops and it shows.”
Toni Macha and Riley Murry outscored Royster by themselves.
Macha had 14 points and three rebounds, while Murry scored eight points with seven boards. Sydney Wade dished out seven assists to go with two points and two rebounds. Alexis Heslop had nine rebounds and two points. Brook Storrer also scored two points.
The win lifts the eighth grade squad to 4-1 on the season.
Iola’s seventh-graders led 6-0 after one quarter before Royster closed the gap. The game was nip-and-tuck throughout the second half.
The victory was the first of the year for the Pony squad.
“I’m very proud of these kids,” Taylor said. “They have had some tough nights, but they come to practice every day and work hard. They’re starting to put some things together.
Colbi Riley led the way with seven points and three rebounds. Eliza Hale added six points and four boards. Scout Rush and Karly McGuffin both scored two points. Rush had five rebounds and McGuffin four. Katie Bauer was scoreless but led the team with seven rebounds.
“Katie did a great job on the boards, and Colbi and Eliza were much more confident handling the ball tonight,” Taylor said.
Storrer, Madison Carlin and Savannah McCulley each scored two points for the Ponies in the B team win.