The Iola Middle School boys basketball team was swept in three games Tuesday night by Anderson County. In the seventh grade combined game, Iola lost 14-12 in overtime. In the seventh grade A game, Iola lost 26-15. In the eighth grade game, Iola lost 33-19.
Anderson County jumped out to a 6-1 halftime lead in the combined seventh grade game. Iola turnovers allowed Anderson County ample opportunities at the hoop.
The second half was another story. Iola came roaring back when Baron Folk took over on offense scoring five points for the Mustangs and bringing the score to a 6-6 tie.
To that point, Folk had scored all six of Iola’s points en route to a game-leading eight points. The teams traded the lead back and forth through the remainder of the third and into the fourth. Both defenses played well and kept the other team’s offense from mounting too much of a lead. Iola never regained the lead, but Anderson County never got ahead by more than three points.
Iola had a chance to put up a potential game-winning shot as time expired, but the fourth ended with the teams tied at 10.
Scoring was at a premium in overtime, but Anderson County’s defense did their job and held the Mustangs to a jumper. Unfortunately for Iola fans, Anderson County was able to score a little more to secure the win.
Folk’s eight points led the Mustangs. Ben Kerr and Isaac Velazquez scored two each. Iola shot 1-13 from the free throw line.
In the seventh grade A game, Iola came out sluggish and could never respond to Anderson County’s offensive game plan.
The Bulldogs attacked the rim while Iola was left searching for answers on the offensive end. While the Mustangs scored six in the first quarter, they were shut out in the second. The second quarter goose egg allowed Anderson County to begin to pull away and build a lead. Iola had five shots from the free throw line in the second but went 0-5.
Anderson County led at the half 19-6.
Coming out of the break, the Mustangs hit their first free throw of the night when Jase Herrmann went 1-2 from the line. Of its 10 opportunities, Iola made only one free throw. With Anderson County now at a 15-point lead, the Mustangs spread the ball around more in the fourth, with five players scoring for Iola, three getting two points each in the fourth.
Iola’s Jase Herrmann drives down the court vs Anderson County
Photo by Reese Becker / Iola Register
Iola’s Amos Rutoh drives in the lane vs Anderson County.
Photo by Reese Becker / Iola Register
Iola’s Noah Schowengerdt looks to make a pass vs Anderson County
Photo by Reese Becker / Iola Register
Herrmann led the way with five points. Kale Pratt scored four. Austin Crooks, Amos Rutoh, and Brock each scored two.
In the eighth grade game, Noah Schowengerdt had a huge game for Iola, and kept the Mustangs within reach for much of the game. Iola’s poor free throw shooting — 0-6 in the first half — cost the Mustangs big. Iola also struggled to keep hold of the ball, giving Anderson County chances to build their lead.
