Iola Middle School’s eighth-grade basketball teams continue to thrive on defense in the young 2020 season.
For the second time in three days, the Mustang squads disrupted any semblance of an offense from their visitors, first on Monday against Santa Fe trail, and then again Thursday evening against Anderson County.
In Thursday’s action, Iola’s eighth-grade A team blasted its way to an 18-4 halftime lead and cruised from there to a 34-14 win.
Several Mustangs played key roles in victory.
Leading the way was Kaysin Crusinbery with 10 points, while Reese Curry and Karingten Hall scored eight apiece. Alana Mader was next with six. Harper Desmarteau scored two.
The eighth-grade B team was even more dominant on the defensive end, almost pitching a shutout. The Mustangs didn’t allow a field goal until 3:39 remained in the fourth quarter of a 14-4 victory.
Again, Iola utilized a balanced scoring attack, with LaPrincia Pulley, Kinsey Schinstock and Maleigha Molina each scoring four points. Peyton Weast scored two.
Anderson County prevailed in a single seventh-grade A team contest, 16-6. India Barney scored four of Iola’s six points. Bella Rahming scored the other two.
Iola’s seventh-grade B team has been idle this week because of a coronavirus-related quarantine.
The Mustangs are scheduled to return to action Tuesday at Burlington.
