CHANUTE — Missed free throws did in Iola Middle School’s eighth-grade boys Thursday.
The Ponies missed 20 free throws — 12 in the fourth quarter alone — and were unable to hold a halftime lead over their hosts from Royster Middle School.
Royster overcame a 21-8 halftime deficit by outscoring Iola 15-7 in the third quarter and 18-7 in the fourth of a 41-35 victory.
“We came out and played well early, but we just made a couple of tough mental mistakes late,” IMS head coach Marty Taylor said. “We did a great job of getting to the line,” but the missed free throws were the difference.
Evan Sigg led the way with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Ethan Holloway followed with 10 points and eight boards.
Matt Komma and Isaac Fink added three points each. Nick Vaughn and Ethan Tavarez both scored two. Komma and Vaughn added six and four rebounds, respectively.
The seventh-grade dealt with early nerves, and could not overcome an early deficit, losing to Royster, 38-25.
“A pretty good effort for the first time out,” Taylor said. “We were nervous stepping on the floor, but once we got in the flow, I thought the boys did a good job.”
Blake Ashmore scored six to lead the Pony seventh-graders. Derek Bycroft added five points and four rebounds. Cole Regehr also scored five points. Tayton Driskel, Kane Rogers and Jeremy Waldman all had three points. Rogers also had six rebounds; Driskel five.
In B team action, Iola’s eighth-graders prevailed, 36-28. Matt Miller scored 10 points. Vaughn, Tavarez and Zach Cokely all had six. Cale Barnhart scored four, while Caden Knavel and Drake Sell had two each.
The seventh-grade B team fell, 19-15.
Hunter Preston scored eight and Matt Karr had seven for the Ponies.
Iola resumes play this morning at a tournament in Wellsville. The seventh-graders tip off at 9 o’clock; the eighth-graders at 10:15.
Championship and third-place contest will follow.
Iola Middle School boys go 1-3 to open 2014 season
