Not the home openers they wanted here Thursday night for Iola Middle School’s girls.
The IMS eighth-grade girls’ A-team found themselves in a big hole quickly. They never got out of it losing to visiting Columbus 48-13.
Iola scored in single digits in all four quarters. The Ponies faced a 30-5 halftime deficit.
“Columbus is a very good basketball team but our effort in the first half was unacceptable,” said Marty Taylor, IMS head basketball coach. “We have to be ready to play when we step on the floor.”
Jo Lohman tossed in six points and had two rebounds for the Ponies. Lexie Long scored five points while Torrie Lewis had two points and one rebound.
“Jo and Lexie did a good job all night,” Taylor said.
Iola’s seventh-grade A-team led 12-5 then got outscored 15-1 to lose 20-13.
Columbus led 5-4 at halftime when the Ponies went on a eight-point run. The Titans applied a press and closed to within three, 13-10 at the end of the third quarter. Columbus outscored Iola 10-0 in the final quarter of play.
“At times the girls are playing better. We need to put four quarters together,” Taylor said.
Makaela Platt fired in 10 points and pulled down nine rebounds for Iola. Taylor Sell had three points and eight rebounds.
In a combined B-team game, Iola beat Columbus 14-10. Scoring four points apiece were Lexie Long, Kim Kaufman and Micaiah Larney. Sarah Gonzales added two points.
The IMS teams will have a jamboree Saturday starting at 9 a.m. at the middle school.
On Monday, Iola’s squads host Coffeyville starting at 3:30 p.m.
Pony girls drop two to Columbus
