BURLINGTON — The Iola High Mustangs’ opening possession of Tuesday afternoon’s game resulted in a steal and layup for Paola High’s Panthers.
They didn’t allow it to set the tone for the game though.
Braden Larson established himself on the inside for the Mustangs and scored their first six points. Larson finished with a double-double — 16 points and 11 rebounds — and the Mustangs winning 52-40.
Winning their opener in the 19th annual Burlington High Invitational, the Mustangs (6-4) move into the tournament’s semifinals on Friday. They play top-seeded Sabetha High’s Bluejays at 5:05 p.m., not at 8:15 as previously reported by the Register.
It has been a few years since the Iola boys have won their first-round game at the Burlington Invitational. Sabetha defeated Rossville 52-32 Tuesday.
On the other side of the boys’ bracket, Topeka-Hayden beat Labette County 61-44 and Burlington downed Santa Fe Trail 56-48.
The championship game is at 4:45 p.m. Saturday in the BHS gym. The third-place game is at 1:35 p.m. Saturday at the high school.
“Our guys did not let that first possession bother them. They are very resilient and just pushed forward,” said Bill Peeper, Mustang head coach.
“Braden did a great job establishing himself inside against a Paola team that is big and physical. He rewarded our guys for their entry passes by scoring.”
With Iola leading 6-3, Levi Ashmore, who led all scorers with 17 points, had two field goals and a three-pointer. With a putback by Kauth, Iola held a 15-7 lead by the end of the first quarter.
The Panthers clawed back with five straight points to begin the second period. A three-point play by Austin Dent pulled the Panthers to within two, 19-17, at the 4:25 mark.
Iola fed the ball inside again. Larson had back-to-back buckets. Jerrik Sigg drove into the lane, scoring on two free throws and a basket to lift the Mustangs to a 27-17 halftime lead.
The third quarter started just like the first. Paola stole the basketball and scored.
The Mustangs responded the same way, outscoring the Panthers 10-7 for a 37-24 lead.
Paola didn’t go away, scoring five points in the final minute of the third quarter.
