PARSONS — Iola Middle School’s eighth-grade girls became weekend warriors of sort Saturday.
Coming to the end of a tough basketball season, the Ponies captured the championship of the Winter Classic hosted by Parsons Middle School. The IMS eighth-grade girls beat Columbus 26-15 in the first round then decked Girard 25-19 in the title game.
“I couldn’t be more happy for a group of kids. These girls come to practice everyday and work to get better and it’s nice to see the hard work pay off,” said Marty Taylor, IMS head coach.
Taylor Sell had a double-double with 11 points and 15 rebounds to lead Iola against Columbus. The Ponies were up 6-2 after one quarter and held an 18-8 halftime advantage.
Columbus had a 6-2 run in the third but Iola responded with a 6-1 finish in the fourth quarter.
Mikaela Platt scored eight points and handled six rebounds. Ashlie Shields scored five points and had five rebounds. Olivia Bannister had five rebounds and two points.
The Ponies got out quick, 6-0 by end of the first quarter, against Girard. Girard bounced back but Iola led 15-10 at the break. The Ponies survived to hold a 17-16 lead heading into the fourth quarter, where they finished on an 8-3 run.
“Mikaela was outstanding in both games, but defensively against Columbus she really was good. She held their top scorer to two points in the game,” Taylor said. “Taylor Sell got in some foul trouble against Girard but she gave a very good effort all day.
“Olivia Bannister came off the bench in both games and really played well.”
It was Platt posting a double-double against Girard with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Shields and Hannah Ingle each added six points. Elise Wolf and MaKayli Clever had one point apiece.
Iola finishes the season today playing at Parsons.
Eighth-grade Ponies win Winter Classic
