Iola Middle School’s seventh- and eighth-grade girls ended their respective seasons on a high note Monday. A 9-2 RUN in the second quarter turned a small advantage into an 18-9 lead at halftime for the seventh-grade Ponies. MONDAY’S games came two days after the eighth-graders went 1-1 in the IMS Winter Classic.
The seventh-graders pulled away in the second quarter to defeat visiting Parsons 33-19. The eighth-graders didn’t wait that long, jumping out to an 11-4 first-quarter lead en route to a 38-19 win.
The eighth-graders’ victory puts the Ponies’ final record at 10-5 on the season. The seventh grade ends with a 5-10 mark.
Ponies coach Marty Taylor was effusive in his praise for both squads, beginning with the eighth grade.
“There really are not enough good things to say about the way these girls played tonight,” Taylor said. “Every girl on the team was fantastic. I’ve been very lucky to have the opportunity to coach this group. Winning 22 games in two years speaks to their hard work. Every one of these kids should be proud of what they accomplished and be excited for what they will accomplish with Coach (Becky) Carlson and the (Iola High) Fillies.”
Iola led 11-4 after one quarter and 22-10 at halftime.
Leading the way was point guard Sydney Wade’s 11 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Toni Macha followed with 10 points and eight rebounds. Lexi Heslop chipped in with nine points and eight boards. Riley Murry had three points and five rebounds. Taylor Stout scored three points, Brook Storrer had two points and Jadyn Sigg had four rebounds.
“A great way to finish the year for these girls,” Taylor said. “This group has improved as much over the season as any group I’ve had. I’m expecting big things out of these girls next year.”
Colbi Riley poured in 15 points and grabbed four rebounds. Eliza Hale added 10 points, while Karly McGuffin had seven points and 13 rebounds. Katie Bauer pulled in six rebounds and scored a point. Scout Rush had seven boards.
Parsons won the B team contest 25-18.
Notching the scorebook for Iola were Mackayla Bycroft, four points, Madison Carlin, Carley Cescon and Kylee Shaw, three points each, Kayla Underwood and Addie Prather, two points each, and Brook Storrer, one point.
Iola opened the tournament by knocking off previously unbeaten Meadowview 31-13. The Ponies took control with a 9-1 spurt in the second quarter, then sealed the win with an 8-0 run to end the game.
Wade had 13 points and two rebounds, followed by Heslop with 10 points and eight rebounds, Macha with six points and seven boards and and Murry with two points and five rebounds.
Pittsburg defeated Iola 23-19 in the championship game in come-from-behind fashion. Iola led 13-12 after three quarters.
Heslop scored eight points with five rebounds to lead the Ponies. Macha had four points and nine rebounds. Stout scored three points. Wade had two points, two rebounds and five assists. Murry had two points and five rebounds.
“These girls put together eight quarters of hard work in these two games,” Taylor said. “I couldn’t ask for any more. Syd was really, really good all day, she makes this team go. Toni Macha is as tough on both ends of the floor as anyone I’ve had. Riley was outstanding on defense against Pittsburg. She made their big girl work for every point she got. And Taylor Stout was all over the place on defense and Lexi on the block was great going up against much bigger girls.”
IMS squads end season with victories
