Kelsey Johnson had a hunch her Iola High Fillies squad might be a little out of sorts Tuesday to kick off the 2020-21 season.
The Fillies were placed under quarantine for the first two weeks of the regular season, returning for a shoot-around on Sunday and a single full-fledged practice on Monday before Tuesday’s opener against Anderson County.
“With a new offense, in a new year and coming off quarantine, I definitely expected the turnovers,” she said. “But, I didn’t expect that many.”
The Fillies don’t have much time to mope. They’ll be home Thursday to take on Osage City in another makeup game.
Anderson County’s pressure defense led to extended scoring lulls for Iola in the 45-26 defeat.
“I just told the girls we need to learn from this and keep on moving,” Johnson said. “I did see a lot of good stuff.”
A quick 5-2 lead for Iola didn’t last long as the Bulldogs embarked on a 12-0 run extending into the second quarter.
Kaily Schinstock’s field goal ended Anderson County’s run, but the Bulldogs immediately responded with another 9-0 to lead 23-7.
Aysha Houk came off the bench to give Iola a spark late in the half. She drilled a 3-pointer and field goal to trim the deficit to 27-14. Sidney Shelby then opened the third quarter by hitting 3 of 4 free throws, and suddenly Iola was within 10.
But Rayna Jasper was there with the response for Anderson County, drilling a 3-pointer to re-establish a 30-17 lead.
The Fillies drew no closer down the stretch.
Houk scored nine and Josie Plumlee seven to lead Iola.
“It’s great to have a kid like her come off the bench,” Johnson said of Houk. “She’s definitely not afraid to score. She really brings some fire and confidence.”
Likewise, Schinstock’s work under the basket and on the defensive end caught Johnson’s eye.
“That’s the best I’ve seen her play,” Johnson said.
Cali Foltz scored 14 and Jasper 13 to lead the Bulldogs.
