Iola Middle School’s teams came up short on the scoreboard but showed plenty of hustle and effort in their home contests Thursday against Pittsburg.
The eighth-graders were even with Pittsburg “for all but about 45 seconds in the second quarter,” Ponies coach Marty Taylor said.
That discrepancy was enough for Pittsburg to take a small lead, maintaining that advantage the rest of the game in a 28-21 victory.
Iola led 10-8 after one quarter before Pittsburg crept in front 16-14 at halftime. The Purple Dragons pushed their lead to 23-17 after three quarters.
Toni Macha led Iola with eight points and four rebounds, followed by Lexi Heslop with seven points and five rebounds. Sydney Wade had six points and two boards.
“I just can’t say enough about how hard the girls play,” Taylor said. “Pittsburg is a very good basketball team.”
The Pony seventh-graders were nip and tuck with Pittsburg for three quarters before the Purple Dragons closed the game with an 11-3 run in a 29-22 victory.
Iola led 4-2 after one quarter and 13-8 at halftime. Pittsburg closed the gap to 19-18 after the third period.
“These girls have improved so much from day one,” Taylor said, “but we need to take the next step and beat a good basketball team.”
Colbi Riley scored 12 points to lead the IMS seventh-graders, followed by Eliza Hale and Karly McGuffin with four points each and Katie Bauer with two.
“Our effort was great tonight, but a two-minute stretch in the third quarter hurt us. Colbi was aggressive and got some shots to fall.”
Pittsburg triumphed in the B team contest 16-3. Carley Cescon scored two points for Iola. Kayla Underwood had one.
The Pony eighth-graders host the IMS Winter Classic this morning.
IMS squads fall to Pittsburg
