Iola Middle School’s seventh-grade girls won both of their season openers at home Tuesday. The IMS eighth-grade girls fell to visiting Pittsburg Community Middle School.
Iola’s seventh-grade B-team began the afternoon with a 12-3 win. Brecken Sutherland led the way for the Ponies with eight points. Taylor Stout and Alaynah Donovan each had two points.
Next up was the seventh-grade A-team. The Ponies jumped out to a 6-3 first-quarter lead and were able to take an 11-7 lead into halftime.
Both squads put six points in their respective baskets in the third quarter. Iola led Pittsburg 17-13 heading into the fourth period. The Ponies held the Dragons scoreless in the final quarter and won 23-13.
“The girls played hard and ran the floor well tonight for the first time out,” said Marty Taylor, IMS head coach. “We have a lot of work to do but it was a good way to start the season.”
Taylor said Sydney Wade did a good job as point guard and Toni Macha hit the backboards hard. Wade fired in 12 points and had three rebounds. Macha pulled down nine rebounds and had two points.
Riley Murry scored four points and had four rebounds. Lexi Heslop had four points and three rebounds. Sutherland scored a point.
Iola’s eighth-grade B-team dropped an 18-9 decision. Taylor Heslop tossed in four points for Iola. Elise Wolf and Makayli Cleaver each had two points and Bobbi Sinclair had one point.
Finishing off the night, Iola and Pittsburg’s A-teams squared off in a good eighth-grade game. The teams were tied 4-all after one quarter of play and it was Iola up 8-7 at intermission.
Pittsburg got the edge in the third quarter, outscoring Iola 10-5. The Dragons maintained their lead and won 22-17.
“The effort tonight was outstanding,” Taylor said. “The girls aren’t happy with the outcome but the intensity was there.”
Mikaela Platt fired in six points and had three rebounds for Iola. Hannah Ingle added three points and had three rebounds.
Ashlie Shields, Taylor Sell, Wolf and Cleaver each scored two points.
“The girls did a great job on defense, we need to do a better job of blocking out but the kids are working hard in practice and getting better,” Taylor said.
The Iola squads travel to Columbus Thursday.
Pony girls open basketball season at home
