The Iola Mustangs received some postseason awards despite fielding a team nearly entirely composed of freshmen.
Freshmen guard Haidyn Desmarteau and junior forward Zoie Hesse each earned a spot on the All-Pioneer League team with league officials announcing the results following the state tournament.
Desmarteau was an All-Pioneer League second-team selection. She was by far Iola’s leader in scoring, assists and steals.
In her first season with the Mustangs, she developed a reputation for her tenacity on defense and her open court steals resulting in scores on fast breaks.
Hesse was a surprise selection as a member of the All-Pioneer League Second Team.
Splitting time between the hardwood and the wrestling mat, where she took second in her weight class at the 4A state tournament, Hesse more than made a name for herself this season.
Hesse was a force in the paint. She often finished games as Iola’s leading rebounder and leading scorer.
With both players returning next season, along with junior guard Brooklyn Holloway and junior forward Mahala Burris, the Mustangs promise to be a formidable team.
