Iola Middle School’s eighth-graders gave the home crowd something to cheer for the final time of the 2024 season.
The Mustangs wrapped their home schedule Monday, leading from start to finish in a 26-15 win over Osawatomie.
Defense was the primary catalyst. Iola allowed single field goals in each of the first two quarters to take a 14-4 lead into the break.
Osawatomie found its groove after halftime, scoring eight points in the third quarter.
But so did Iola, as the Mustangs extended their lead to 23-12.
Iola’s Reed Clift drained a 3-pointer in the fourth quarter to cap his 11-point day to earn high-scoring honors.
Bentley Zarhouni added five points, while Mosiah Fawson and Colton Thompson notched four points each. Reggie Davis scored two.
Osawatomie prevailed, 40-23, in the seventh-grade matchup. The Trojans jumped out quickly to a 16-6 lead after the first quarter and put the game away with a 12-2 second quarter.
Konner Morrison scored nine to lead the Mustang seventh-graders. Braylon Keithly and Henry Kramer notched six points apiece. Cameron Findley scored three and Robert McLaughlin one.
Osawatomie also prevailed, 16-8, in a mixed junior varsity contest. Noah Anderson Scored three for Iola, while Nickoles Stogsdill and Kevon Loving added two points each. Spencer Sargent chipped in with a free throw.
The Mustang squads travel to Anderson County Thursday.
