Basketball Recap: Iola Comes Up Short

Iola's game on Thursday was all tied up 23-23 at the half, but sadly for them it didn't stay that way. They fell just short of the Humboldt Cubs by a score of 53-50. The Mustangs were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Cubs apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in January of 2023.

When it comes to explaining why Iola lost, don't look at Cortland Carson. Despite the final result, he posted 22 points and six rebounds. Carson's evening made it six games in a row in which he has scored at least ten points. Another player making a difference was Tre Wilson, who went 5 of 6 on his way to 10 points and eight boards.

Even though they lost, Iola smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 11 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least ten offensive rebounds in three consecutive matchups.

Humboldt got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Colden Cook out in front who went 9 for 10 en route to 18 points and eight rebounds. With that strong performance, Cook is now averaging an impressive 15.1 points per game. Blake Ellis was another key player, going 5 of 6 on his way to 12 points.

Iola has traveled a rocky road recently having lost three of their last four contests, which put a noticeable dent in their 4-6 record this season. That patch can't be blamed on the team's offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 59.3 points per game. As for Humboldt, they pushed their record up to 10-1 with the victory, which was their fourth straight on the road.

Iola didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next game, a 67-44 win against Marmaton Valley on the 24th. Humboldt has also already played their next matchup, a 57-53 victory against Anderson County on the 24th.