OFF TO A GOOD START: Iola girls defense leads the way in solid win

An elite defensive effort in the first half helped the Fillies sail to a 49-31 victory over Central Heights in the opening round of the Ike Cearfoss Tournament on Monday.
Early in the first quarter the score was tied at 4-4, when the Fillies made their move with an 11-point run leaving the Lady Vikings in the dust thanks to a relentless defensive pressure by the Fillies. 
“We do play good defense and we’re very aggressive,” said Coach Becky Carlson. “I think we kind of shell-shocked them coming out. Because we’re not super tall, we’re going to need to put some pressure on people and slow them down when they’re getting the ball up the court.”
The Vikings came out in a zone, something that threw the Fillies for a loop early but eventually they found their shots and went into the half up 13.
“We moved the ball real well and took some good shots,” Carlson said. “And I told them once we took the seal off the basket, it kind of broke us open.”
Senior Colbi Riley struggled offensively in the first half, scoring just three points but really found her shot in the second half, scoring 11 on the way to a team-high 14 points.
“When you’re the point guard you sometimes forget that you’ve got to score, too,” Carlson said. “I thought she did a great job out there leading our team tonight and then stepping up and making baskets when we needed her to.”
Madisyn Holloway followed right behind, scoring 11 points. Chloe Gardner had six including an early four points but from there, it was all bench scoring as Piper Moore and Ellie Carson each nearly reached double-figures with eight points each.
“In the first half Chloe Gardener had some big baskets when we weren’t able to get a bucket to fall,” Carlson said. “Then I felt like when she got in foul trouble Kelsey Morrison came in and did a great job and Ellie Carson did a great job. Wherever the ball is, she’s there. I don’t think we missed a beat when we put someone in.”
Iola will face the familiar Lady Trojans in the semifinals with a chance to get to a spot in the championship game on Saturday.
“They’ve struggled but they’re a much-improved team,” Carlson said. “They’ll look a lot like us. I’m excited to play them, it should be a great game.”