INDEPENDENCE — Iola Middle School’s eighth-grade girls overcame a slow start Monday evening.
The Ponies failed to score in the first quarter, but their defense held host Independence within striking distance.
Iola evened the score to 6-6 by halftime, then took a 13-10 lead after three quarters in a 21-18 victory.
The win lifts Iola’s record to 6-1 on the season.
The seventh-graders were unable to overcome their slow start, falling 24-12.
In the eighth-grade contest, Toni Macha led the way with seven points and five rebounds, while Lexi Heslop and Sydney Wade scored six points each. Heslop had three rebounds, Wade one. Jadyn Sigg chipped in with two points and a rebound. Riley Murry added five boards.
“The girls struggled all night but hung in there and got a win against a pretty good basketball team,” Iola head coach Marty Taylor said. “We got in some foul trouble, and Jadyn Sigg and Brook Storrer gave us some good minutes off the bench.”
Independence led the seventh-grade Ponies 4-1 after one quarter and 9-1 at the break. The lead swelled to 17-3 by the close of the third period.
“The girls did some good things tonight,” Taylor said. “We just couldn’t throw it in the ocean. Three out of 30 from the field is a tough night.”
Colbi Riley led the Ponies with 10 points and three rebounds. Katie Bauer added two points and six boards.
“Colbi is gaining confidence every night out and is doing a good job,” Taylor said.
The seventh-graders’ record is 3-6.
Iola won the B team contest 8-5. Storrer scored three points, while Chloe Wilson and Carley Cescon added two points each.
Iola travels to Parsons Thursday.
Iola Middle School girls go 2-1
