GARNETT — Iola Middle School’s eighth-grade girls showed plenty of defensive intensity down the stretch.
The Ponies limited host Anderson County to a single basket in the fourth quarter to pull out a 25-24 win Monday.
“We didn’t play well, but we played hard,” Iola coach Marty Taylor said. “They didn’t get a good look at the basket the entire fourth quarter. That was the difference.”
Lexi Heslop paced a balanced scoring attack for the Ponies with eight points and seven rebounds. Sydney Wade added seven points, four assists and three rebounds. Riley Murry had six points and six boards. Toni Macha added four points, four rebounds and three assists.
“To beat a good basketball team when you’re not playing your best is a very positive step for these kids,” Taylor said.
In the seventh-grade contest, Anderson County broke open a 7-5 halftime lead in the third quarter of a 24-11 win.
“We played a good half,” Taylor said. “Now we have to string together four good quarters. The girls are getting better every game. Madison Carlin gave us a defensive boost off the bench.”
Karly McGuffin and Colbi Riley each scored four points to lead the Pony seventh-graders. McGuffin had five rebounds and Riley four. Eliza Hale added two points and six rebounds. Katie Bauer had seven rebounds and one point.
Anderson County won the B team contest 16-10. Brook Storrer and Eliza Hale each scored four points for the Ponies. Savannah McCully scored two.
Iola hosts Royster Middle School of Chanute Thursday.
IMS eighth-graders win
