Iola Middle School’s seventh-grade A-team captured third place in its division of the IMS Pony Stampede Saturday.
After losing 45-27 to Independence in the first round, the Ponies came out and claimed a 39-20 win over Chanute’s Royster Middle School’s Rockets.
The Pony A-team opened with a 7-0 run and held a 19-13 halftime lead. Iola outscored Royster 12-2 in the third quarter on its way to a 19-point win.
“We came out against Independence and really played well. They made a little run in the second but our effort was good,” said Marty Taylor, IMS head coach.
“The boys did a good job of regrouping and were aggressive against Royster.”
Braden Plumlee led Iola against Royster with 14 points and seven rebounds. Chase Regehr had eight points and eight rebounds.
Gage Cleaver tossed in six points. Garrett Wade scored four followed by Ethan Scheibmeir with three. Ben Cooper and Joey Zimmerman each had two points.
Independence held a 27-16 lead over Iola at the break. The Bulldogs put the Ponies away in the second half, 18-8.
Plumlee scored nine points and pulled down 11 rebounds. Scheibmeir and Cooper each tossed in six points. Regehr had three points and seven rebounds. Zimmerman scored three points.
Parsons beat Royster 45-33 in the first round. Parsons won the championship game 33-28 over Independence.
Iola’s A-team plays at home today against Pittsburg-Colgan.
