A handful of ill-timed turnovers were enough to spoil an otherwise special night for Iola High’s girls.
The Fillies bid farewell to five seniors Tuesday, including Mikaela Platt, who was dazzling from start to finish.
But the miscues spoiled Senior Night as visiting Wellsville scored the game’s last six points in a 48-42 loss.
Now, Iola (7-12) must regroup for one more regular season game (Thursday at Santa Fe Trail) before the Class 4A-II substate playoffs begin next week.
“It was a fun game to watch,” Iola head coach Becky Carlson said. “They just had the best, last run. And we turned the ball over too many times.”
Some of Iola’s turnovers had to do with Wellsville’s lightning-quick guards Skylar See and Sydney Dwyer, who each contributed one of the more impressive steals you’ll see at any level.
But there were several of the unforced variety, Carlson lamented.
Wellsville held the upper hand courtesy of a 6-0 run to end the third quarter, erasing what had been a 34-33 Fillies lead.
Platt and Ashlie Shields each hit early free throws in the fourth quarter, and Taylor Sell’s bucket helped close the gap to 42-38.
Platt scored again with about 3 minutes remaining, and Della Lohman’s basket at the 1:50 mark knotted the score at 42-42.
Things looked even brighter when Wellsviille turned the ball back over to the Fillies.
But Dwyer took matters into her own hands — or hand, to be specific — she leaped in the way of an Iola pass, caught the ball with one hand, and flipped it to See for a layup to reclaim the lead.
A turnover and missed basket ended Iola’s next two possessions. Dwyer then drained a pair of free throws for a four-point cushion.
Iola came up empty on its final two possessions as the Eagles ran out the clock.
Iola also was a cool 10 of 23 from the line.
The loss spoiled Platt’s memorable night. She scored 19 points to go with 11 rebounds and two assists.
