Marmaton Valley High’s boys ran into a stampede of Iola High defenders Thursday.
The Mustangs took control from the outset, courtesy of some hot early shooting, but mainly with their stifling defense.
Iola led 21-4 after one period and 39-7 at the break to cruise to a 67-23 win in the semifinals of the War on 54 Tournament.
The victory put Iola in Friday’s tournament championship game against Anderson County, while Marmaton Valley played Crest for third place.
(Note: Results from Friday’s matchups were unavailable by deadline.)
Mustang head coach Luke Bycroft is hopeful Iola’s defensive intensity will carry over into the second half of the season.
“This was a good matchup for us to be aggressive,” he said. “We did a good job, and it started on the defensive end. Now, we’ve got to do that no matter who the opponent is.”
Ten Iola players had at least one steal, which played a large role in three Mustangs reaching double figures in scoring, Bycroft said.
Cortland Carson led the way with 17 points. Landon Weide was next with 15 points, six rebounds and four assists. Mac Leonard added 11 points.
“They shot the ball really well,” Marmaton Valley head coach Cornell Walls said. “We knew they had shooters, and they played well.”
Conversely, Marmaton Valley’s shots — usually under duress from an Iola defender — often were off the mark.
“We couldn’t score,” Walls said. “It was tough. They’re a good ball team with good players.”
Brayden Lawson scored eight to pace Marmaton Valley.
Iola kept up its blistering pace in the third quarter, although Marmaton Valley showed some spark as well.
“There were good things tonight, specifically with how our defense started our transition game,” Bycroft said.
