Iola Middle School’s seventh-graders picked up their first win of the season Monday.
With a balanced scoring attack and stifling defense, the Ponies seventh-grade A team dumped visiting Anderson County, 14-7.
“Our effort was so much better tonight,” Iola head coach Marty Taylor said. “We were able to put a little pressure on them defensively.”
Kendra Sprague led the way with six points and three rebounds. Piper Moore scored three points with eight boards. Mia Aronson added three points and two rebounds. Madisyn Holloway scored two points with two boards.
The eighth-grade A team, meanwhile, came up just short of its first win of the season. Trailing 5-1 at halftime, the Ponies erupted for seven in the third and 11 in the fourth. But Iola came up one point shy in a 20-19 defeat.
“The girls’ effort tonight was outstanding,” Taylor said. “We missed a few easy shots and some free throws, but we played hard.”
Colbi Riley had eight points and four rebounds.
“Colbi is doing a very good job of handling the basketball and being a leader,” Taylor said.
Karly McGuffin followed with four points and five rebounds. Katie Bauer pulled in 10 boards to go with three points. Scout Rush had two points and seven rebounds, while Madison Carlin scored two.
The eighth-grade B team rolled to a 22-10 win. Carlin scored five points, while Makayla Bycroft, Olivia Taylor and Addy Prather each scored four. Chloe Wilson and Scout Rush had two points each. Carly Cescon scored one, but was pivotal to the win with her hustle, Taylor said.
The seventh-grade B team fell, 11-6. Aronson, Kassy Shelby and Shaylee Sutterby each scored two.
Iola is in Chanute Thursday to play Royster Middle School before returning home Saturday for the Pony Stampede.
Defense spurs Pony victories
