Iola High’s girls kicked off their ninth grade basketball tournament Monday night. The Mustangs lost 30-20 in a hard-fought effort.
The girls struggled out of the gate, allowing Labette County to go on a 7-2 run to start the game. Iola’s defense wasn’t up to par in the early going, and the good shots they were able to manufacture didn’t fall as the shooters struggled to find a rhythm. Iola allowed the Grizzlies to dominate the boards and get extra chances at shots, a handful of which Labette capitalized on early.
Iola went on a 3-0 run thanks to good play by Elza Clift in the second quarter as the Mustangs tried to pull back what was at that point a seven-point deficit. While the Mustangs saw some success there, Labette County countered with a 6-0 run to end the half ahead 17-7.
At times in the second half, Iola looked strong, but Labette County matched the girls each time. Each Iola basket had a response from the Grizzlies and key Iola turnovers gave Labette County extra possession, which the Grizzlies took advantage of.
Late in the game, Labette County led by as much as 14, but Iola tried to scratch and claw its way back into the game. Down the stretch, the Mustangs got an offensive boost by Karingten Hall, who scored four points in the fourth.
