Basketball Recap: Iola Falls Despite Big Games from Cortland Carson and Matt Beckmon

Iola was not able to break out of their rough patch on Tuesday as the team picked up their third straight loss. They were two points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 53-51 heartbreaker at the hands of the Santa Fe Trail Chargers. Unfortunately, that's the third time they've come up short against the Mustangs this season, with their most recent defeat being a 57-53 loss last Thursday.

Matt Beckmon

Points (Career)

02/04/25 @ Santa Fe Trail	20
12/14/23 @ Prairie View	16
01/16/25 @ Caney Valley	13
12/04/23 @ Central Heights	12
12/12/24 @ Kansas City Christian School	11

Matt Beckmon and Cortland Carson certainly did their best on Tuesday to avoid the loss. Beckmon went 6 for 9 from beyond the arc en route to 20 points, while Carson almost dropped a double-double on 14 points and nine rebounds. The dominant performance gave Beckmon a new career-high in points. Jordan Kaufman was another key player, putting up four points in addition to five boards and four blocks.

Iola's defeat dropped their record down to 5-9. As for Santa Fe Trail, their victory was their ninth straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 14-2.

Iola wasted no time getting back out on the court and has already played their next match, a 49-31 loss against Osawatomie on the 6th. As for Santa Fe Trail, they have also already played their next game, a 53-28 win against Prairie View on the 7th.