Despite the tournament results, the team’s games included moments of progress: Fort Scott built a four-run lead in the fifth before Iola scored once in the seventh, and the Indians nearly pulled closer in that opener. Braylon Keithly took a loss while striking out four batters over five innings, while Thomas Allee added two strikeouts in relief. In later games, Iola faced multiple big runs by opponents, including a no-hitter by USA Prime and a no-hitter by the Billets.
Coach Ryker Curry said the weekend was against strong teams and that the experience should help the Indians for state, pointing to improved at-bats and pitching. With the losses, the Junior Indians fell to 4-9-1, and they return to play Wednesday while hosting Garnett, with first pitch set for 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.