Fillies find their offensive touch

WELLSVILLE — Iola High’s Fillies were more focused and relaxed Friday than they’d been earlier in the week, head coach Becky Carlson noted.
“That’s what happens when your shots are falling,” she said.
Iola’s shots were falling early and often as the Fillies raced to an 18-point first quarter and a 55-29 romp over host Wellsville.
The victory ends a two-game losing streak for the Fillies, who averaged only 32 points in losses earlier this week to Fort Scott and Prairie View.
“We just went out and looked for buckets and took the shots we were supposed to take,” Carlson said.
Six Fillies scored in the first period alone, led by Mikaela Platt and Addie Haar. Platt drained five in the quarter, including a 3-pointer, while Haar scored four.
Iola led 18-11 after one period and 29-17 at the break.
Wellsville deployed its pressure defense in an attempt to slow Iola’s pace, but the Fillies countered and wound up with several transition layups.
“We had a few turnovers, but most of those were after we got set up in our half court offense,” Carlson said. “And I’ll take a few turnovers with 55 points.”
Haar scored 14 and Platt 12 to lead the way.
Carlson also pointed to Iola’s defense against Wellsville’s two primary scoring threats, Emily Newhouse and Ashley Sparks, limiting the pair to five and two points, respectively.
Emery Driskel and Haar pulled in eight and six rebounds, respectively. Sydney Wade had three assists and two steals. Jo Lohman also had two steals.
The Eagles’ Moriah Kayhill scored 10 to pace Wellsville, all in the first half.
Iola won the junior varsity contest, 40-32.Taylor Sell’s nine points led the way. Toni Macha and Taelyn Sutterby had six apiece. Cassie Delich, McKayli Cleaver and Olivia Bannister all had four. Riley Murry chipped in with three and Micaiah Larney had two.
The Fillies also won the C team matchup, 25-10. Murry and Della Lohman each had eight points. Brook Storrer and Jadyn Sigg had four each. Alexis Heslop scored one.
Iola wraps up the regular season Tuesday and Thursday with a pair of home games. The Fillies host Anderson County Tuesday and Wellsville Thursday in a makeup game. The Class 4A, Division II Substate Tournament opens March 6.
Iola (18-11-12-14-55)
Wellsville (10-7-6-6-29)
Iola (FG/3pt-FT-F-TP): Wade 0/1-0-2-3, Long 1/1-0-0-5, Moore 0-0-1-0, Piazza 1/1-0-1-5, Lohman 2-0-0-4, Shields 1-0-0-2, Endicott 1-0-4-2, Haar 5-4-2-14, Platt 3/2-0-3-12, Driskel  2-2-2-6, Macha 1-0-0-2. TOTALS: 17/5-6-15-55.
Wellsville (FG/3pt-FT-F-TP): Newhouse 1/1-0-1-5, Kayhill 4-2-0-10, Graniewsk 2-0-3-4, Rottinghaus 0-2-0-2, Sparks 1-0-2-2, Kline 0-0-1-0, Peacock 3-0-2-6. TOTALS: 11/1-4-9-29.