By james art 
Photo from: David gave birth/Journal-Vorld
Jada Baars seems to go against Mission Shawnee West on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at the Capital City Classic in Topeka.
The Topeka Basketball Team of Girls from the Lawrence High School launched Capital City City with victory, beating the West 54-36 sled Mission on Thursday.
“I thought everyone intensified and fulfilled their roles and did what they needed to do,” said the assistant coach Jeff Colter. “Everyone touched the ball, everyone did what they were doing, and that led to a great victory.”
The lions took an early lead and controlled the game the rest of the road. The senior Brynnae Johnson scored the first two buckets, and the sophomore Cami Nauholz scored the next two. Nauholz had a big night as a rebinder and a goalkeeper, and she consistently scored points from a second chance and reached the line of free throws.
West Sled West did not score its first points to the 4-minute score for the first quarter, and the team ended with only 7 points in a quarter. Meanwhile, the Lions ended a quarter of 7-0 with 5 points from Johnson and another goal in the field by freshman Zoe Barber and led 22-7 after a quarter.
None of the team scored much in the second quarter, and the lions scored only 5 points. However, the protection of the lions kept strong and accumulated theft and forced rpm as it exceeded the Vikings. Nauholz scored 4 of the 5 points in a quarter, and Johnson delivered the other. Until halftime, the lions lead 27-15.
The lack of evaluation from the two end is partly due to the number of calls that both teams received. Johnson said he thinks the lions are doing well in neglecting how the game is called and continues to play aggressively.
Lawrence relies on some bench players who are activated in bigger roles. The start of the freshman Jaila Calter regularly was aside with an ankle injury, so Jr. Jada Baars started in her place and was a player as a facilitator, defender and reeb.
“She was itching to get there, and now, when she was out, she’s going hard and she does her best to stay there,” Colter said. “I am very proud of what it does. It strengthens offensively and defensively. “
In the second half, the lions turned to a 20 -point lead. The senior d’ema Barnes scored 6 points in 10-0 run in the middle of the third quarter. Nauholz reached the floor, struck two 3s, and the lions led 47-29 at the end of a quarter.
Nauholz maintained his pace in the fourth and scored 5 points early to give the lions a 54-29 lead. Lawrence scored just another goal in the field, but the lions kept their lead and won with 18 points.
Lions use this tournament to gain experience in playing multiple games for a short period of time. The tournament also gives the team a chance to play schools and styles that they usually do not see, which will be beneficial for the team in the post -season.
“This will bring out our mental endurance,” Johnson told the tournament. “A lot of people’s fire came out today, so I think it shows what we can do, even when we are tired and in a situation.”
Lawrence will play the winner between Free State and Washburn Rural on Friday at 8:00 pm at Topeka West High School.
Photo from: David gave birth/Journal-Vorld
Lawrence Senior Nyasia Ramos Dribbles at the top of the key against Mission Shawnee West in the first Capital City Classic game in Topeka on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
Photo from: David gave birth/Journal-Vorld
Lawrence’s secondary Kami Najolz rotates and shoots under the rim against Shawnee West’s mission on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at Capital City Classic in Topeka.