INDEPENDENCE — Iola Middle School’s A teams split their contests Monday, with the seventh-grade squad pulling out a two-point win, and the eighth-graders falling short.
The seventh-grade Ponies overcame a one-point halftime deficit by holding Independence to six second-half points in an 18-16 win.
Evan Sigg led the way for the victory with 11 points and seven rebounds, while Ethan Holloway followed with three points and three rebounds. Matt Komma had two points and six boards. Nick Vaughn also scored two points.
“We did just enough to get the win,” Iola coach Marty Taylor said. “We have to be ready to play every game and tonight we were not. Evan was able to get some tough baskets inside. That made the difference tonight.”
The eighth-grade A team fell behind 7-2 after one quarter and never recovered in a 31-14 defeat.
Independence led 7-2 after one quarter and 15-7 at halftime before erasing any doubt with a 12-5 third-quarter spurt.
Chase Regehr led Iola with six points and eight rebounds. Garrett Wade and Braden Plumlee each had two points and five rebounds. Ethan Scheibmeir and Joey Zimmerman scored two points each.
“I thought Chase played hard, but overall, not a very good effort,” Taylor said.
The squads also split their B team games.
The eighth-grade B team won 28-18, behind Zane Beasley’s eight points and Darius Greenawalt’s seven. Mason Ingle followed with six, Rhett Allen with four and Colton Toney with three.
Independence prevailed 17-7 in the seventh-grade B team affair. Dalton Ryherd scored all seven of the Ponies’ points.
Iola returns to Independence Saturday to play in the Independence Winter Classic.
IMS squads earn split
