FORT SCOTT — Dominated by Fort Scott High’s Tigers in the first half Friday night, Iola High’s Mustangs regrouped and made a charge at their hosts.
The Mustangs weren’t able to dig all the way out of a 20-point hole. Fort Scott claimed the Southeast Kansas League game 60-53.
That closed the SEK chapter between Iola and Fort Scott. Iola moves to the Pioneer League next year. It has been a tough go against the Tigers for Mustang teams.
Here are the numbers — the FSHS boys have won 44 consecutive games over the Mustangs. That translates to 30 SEK contests and 14 non-league games.
The last time Iola boys beat Fort Scott was a 48-33 decision in Iola on Feb. 19, 1985. Iola had won six games before the Tiger streak began.
Iola dropped to 1-3 in the SEK. The Mustangs are 8-8 on the season.
The Mustangs are at home Tuesday with Columbus High’s Titans coming in for a SEK game.
Iola was in a tight game with Fort Scott in the first five minutes of the game. Braden Larson, who led the Mustangs with 17 points, had two baskets for a 4-3 Iola lead.
Jerrik Sigg and Larson had three-point play opportunities but both missed free throw attempts. Iola trailed 10-8 with 3:13 left.
After Larson’s missed free throw, Iola got the loose basketball on the rebound. But Fort Scott swiped the basketball leading to a three-point play by Cameron Woodring.
That started the avalanche. The Tigers seized control by the end of the first period, leading 21-8.
Back-to-back threes by Woodring and Tyler Adams pushed the lead to 19 points. The Tigers were up 38-18 at halftime.
“I’m proud that our guys came out and made a game of it in the second half,” said Bill Peeper, Mustang head coach.
“We took the game right to them at the start then our energy level dropped. At halftime, we talked about a gut-check time and it was situation to show who we really are. Our kids responded and showed their character in the second half.”
Iola outscored Fort Scott 15-8 in the third period making it 46-33. The Mustangs got within nine, 47-36, when Mikal Bossell had a three-point play with 6:40 left in the game.
