PITTSBURG — Iola Middle School’s eighth-grade squad ended the year on a disappointing note Monday, but a 46-33 loss to host Pittsburg did little to douse head coach Marty Taylor’s enthusiasm. IN B TEAM play, Pittsburg defeated Iola’s eighth-graders, 38-20. Kaden Knavel scored five points for the Ponies, followed by Drake Sell and Matt Miller with four each. Cale Barnhart scored three and Nick Vaughn and William Winner had two apiece.
“This group had two years of winning records against a brutal schedule,” Taylor said. “That says a lot about their work ethic and their toughness. I’m very proud of these boys.”
Pittsburg led 14-10 after one quarter and 22-16 at the break. The lead grew to 31-23 by the end of the third period.
Evan Sigg led the way with 10 points and eight rebounds, followed by Ethan Holloway’s eight points and five boards. Isaac Vink also scored eight, Nick Vaughn tallied five and Matt Komma scored two.
“The kids came out and played hard,” Taylor said. “They got three or four baskets at the end that let the score get away, but this was a good, competitive ball game against an undefeated team.”
Iola finished with a 7-6 record.
PITTSBURG also prevailed in the seventh-grade A team affair, 44-32. The Purple Dragons led 11-5 after one quarter and 24-12 at the break.
“We got the score back to six or seven a couple of times in the second half, but we just couldn’t get over the hump,” Taylor said. “These kids improved about as much as any group I’ve had over the course of a year.”
Kane Rogers scored eight points to lead the way, followed by Derek Bycroft with six points and four rebounds. Cole Regehr scored five, Tayton Driskel had four points and nine rebounds and Jeremy Waldman had four points and four rebounds. Blake Ashmore also scored two.
Pittsburg defeated the seventh-grade B team, 49-20. Kolt Knoblich and Tim Komma both had four points for Iola. Jaxson Wiltse scored three. Bret Plumlee, Hunter Mittlemeier, Matt Karr and Nic Zimmerman each had two. Jack Eyster scored one.
Ponies wrap up season
