With two players reaching double-digits in scoring, Iola coach Emily Sigg feels her team’s performance may have been overshadowed by Friday’s 71-39 loss to the Burlington Wildcats (14-2, 7-0).
Sigg said the girls executed their game plan well despite the loss and that Friday’s contest is something they can build from as they host Santa Fe Trail (12-4, 6-1) Tuesday.
“We’re proud of their effort. We’re proud of their attitude,” Sigg said. “We talked about playing through the fourth quarter, and they did, so what more can you ask. Collectively, we’re much younger and we’re legacy-building. It’s alright. We’re going to get there.”
Freshman guard Haidyn Desmarteau continues to be a one-woman highlight reel with more than seven steals while racking up 23 points, including a trio of 3-pointers and four free-throws. Junior guard Brooklyn Holloway also shined with a pair of 3-pointers while going 2-2 from the free-throw line for 12 points. Junior forward Mahala Burris posted 4 points.
“For Haidyn to go off like that shows promise. She does not quit all the way to the end,” Sigg said. “That’s the effort we like. Burlington is at the top of our league right now. If we can battle like that with everyone else in our league, then we’ll be alright.”
With the loss, the Mustangs fall to 4-13 overall and 3-5 in Pioneer League play. While first or second in the league standings may be out of reach, the Mustangs are still in play for third place. Considering the Mustangs started the season with only three returning players, and the rest freshman, third place in the Pioneer League would be more than amenable for Sigg.
“Wins are great, but that was good character-building. We got something out of tonight,” Sigg said. “We can build from that and hopefully we can bring it. We had some great leadership from Brooklyn and Mahala Burris before the game and that really helped. They brought everybody together and that was nice.”
Tip-off for Tuesday’s contest is at 6 p.m.
