After finishing just four points shy of the Pioneer League title last month, seventh-grade guard Elliot Sigg has rallied her teammates for a determined offseason. The young athlete, named the November Allen County Area Athlete of the Month by readers of the Iola Register, is focused on bringing a league championship back to Iola in the upcoming season.
In a standout performance, Sigg played a significant role in leading the Iola Middle School Mustangs to the Pioneer League Tournament championship game against Burlington. The team, which finished the season with a commendable 10-4 record and as the runner-up in the league, showcased their skills throughout the tournament.
“This is such an honor because it lets me know the community knows me, and that’s exciting,” Sigg expressed. Her contributions were vital, as she scored over 50 points during the month of November alone, with notable games including a 10-point performance in the semifinal match against Santa Fe Trail and a 12-point showcase against the Santa Fe Trail Chargers on November 6.
Team Spirit Drives Future Goals
Sigg credits the team’s camaraderie and long-standing relationships for their success. “We have played together for a long time, and we’re very close. We were great,” she said. Alongside teammates Abby Boeken and Cayleigh Rutherford, Sigg formed a formidable offensive lineup, which enabled them to dominate several matches on their way to the championship game.
The upcoming season brings renewed motivation for Sigg and her teammates. They are committed to putting in extra work during the summer months to ensure they can overcome their runner-up finish. “All of us are going to put in a lot of work next year to prepare us for Burlington,” Sigg affirmed.
Sigg’s basketball lineage adds an extra layer of inspiration. Her mother, Emily Sigg, has recently taken on the role of head coach for the Iola High School girls basketball team, guiding them through a rebuilding phase. This connection to the sport further fuels Elliot’s ambition to excel on the court.
As the new season approaches, the Iola Mustangs are poised to improve on their previous performance, driven by the lessons learned from their narrow defeat. With their sights set on the Pioneer League title, Sigg and her teammates are determined to transform their aspirations into reality.
