OSAWATOMIE — Iola Middle School’s boys basketball team had a fruitful night on Thursday, going 2-1 against Osawatomie. Iola’s eighth grade A team won 24-22. The eighth grade B team won 18-14. The seventh grade A team narrowly lost 24-22.
The seventh-graders played a close game from tip to buzzer. Osawatomie’s size prevented Iola from driving to the rim, keeping their shots from behind the arc.
Both teams found scoring hard to come by. With a limited supply of players, it was an all-hands on deck game for the Mustangs. Jase Herrmann answered the call, hitting 5-6 free throws on the night to capitalize on trips to the line. Kale Pratt also had a good day at the line, going 2-2 to score his only points of the night.
Osawatomie was able to eke out the win late.
Herrmann led the way with 11 points. Luke Coronado had three. Amos Rutoh, Austin Crooks, and Pratt each had two.
The eighth grade B team had an easier night scoring. The game was close early, with the teams trading the lead. Once the Mustangs got on a roll, they held on to secure the win, a welcome relief after a few sloppy games over the last few weeks. Baron Folk and Jayden Beene led the way with six points each. Mat Drago, Ben Kerr, and Issac Velazquez each contributed two points.
The eighth grade A team won a close game, 24-22, fueled by a double-digit game from Tre Wilson and 75% at the line by Brent Stevens.
Wilson finished with 12 points. Schowengerdt had six. Stevens had three. Nick Bauer had two. Brennen Coffield had one.
The eighth-games were their first sweep of the season.
Iola plays in a tournament today versus Pittsburg, Humboldt, and Independence.
