RICHMOND Cal Leonard and Bradyn Coles 20-point performances led the Mustangs past West Franklin Monday night in their first of three pool games in the Central Heights tournament.
Holding a 13-point lead heading into halftime, Iola continued to click offensively as they galloped past the Falcons 67-43.
Cal Leonard scored often and early for the Mustangs. Leonard accounted for the Mustangs first 10 points, including back-to-back 3-pointers to start the game. Iola led 12-10 at the end of the first period after West Franklins Matthew Gilkey beat the buzzer with a trey to trim the Mustang lead.
Cal shot the ball with confidence after being a little down from the other night, head coach Luke Bycroft said. He got on fire early, shot himself out of it, and back into it. He really did carry us early on.
Cole and Landon Carson carried the Mustangs in the second quarter, combining for 15 points. Another three from Leonard just before the halftime buzzer sent the Mustangs into halftime with a commanding 33-20 lead. Bycroft commended his teams ability to execute in the half-court offense. Truly, it was poetry in motion.
They are playing together well. I like it that they are relying on each other, Bycroft said. Last year, it was every man for himself. It was one man, go get a bucket. I could never get them to run together.
Iola resumed its offensive execution in the second half. Buckets from Cole and Carson along with another 3-pointer from Leonard gave the Mustangs a 40-26 lead halfway through the period. Iola outscored West Franklin by only one point in the third, to take a 47-33 lead into the fourth.
Cole continued to flourish in the final period, converting the opening basket off an admirable feed from Dillon Bycroft. Cole added eight of his 20 points in the final period. Dillon finished as the Mustangs assist leader with seven to go along with six points and seven rebounds. Iola outscored the Falcons by nine in the fourth to clinch the 67-43 victory.
If Bradyn is active, that is the type of player he can be all the time, Bycroft said. If he is engaged, and will get the ball instead of watching someone else do it, then he can be incredible for us.
Despite the win, Bycroft still points at avenues in which the Mustangs can improve.
One of our weaknesses tonight was we just mishandled the ball, Bycroft said. I dont know if they were just being physical or reaching, but they got their hands on a lot of balls. We werent very strong with the ball, and need to get better at that. Defensively, we have to get better at helping on the ball. At times we were better, but were pretty flat- footed when they were attacking the rim.
BOX SCORE
Iola Mustangs (12-21-14-20 67) (pts): Dillon Bycroft 6, Jack Adams 4, Cal Leonard 20, Bradyn Cole 20, Landon Carson 11, Calvin Delich 1, Tyler Boeken 5.
West Franklin Falcons (10-10-13-10 43) (pts): Nathan Hower 5, Matthew Gilkey 19, Camron Johnson 6, Jessejames Martinez 6, Cade Fischer 8.
