Lawrence Girls Basketball Starts Strong, Can’t

Photo from: Kahner Samppon/Special for World

Senior Lawrence Brane Johnson skipped a pass to a teammate during the match against Washburn Rural at Capital City Classic in Topeca on Friday, January 31, 2025.

The Lawrence Girls basketball team started strong, but the lack of size injured the lions in the second half of 75-48 loss to Washburn Rural at Capital City City on Friday.

The loss moved the lions to the game to third place, which will take place on Saturday at 10 am at Topeka West High School.

The lions had several key players who were not dressed in the game. Freshman Jaila Calter continued to be out of an ankle injury, and the sophomore Kami Najolz did not play after playing on Sled West on Thursday. Nauholz, a sophomore, is the best goal scorer and a team’s rebbard.

Lawrence came out strong in the first quarter, despite the injuries. The senior d’ema Barnes and Branee Johnson fired the ball from a distance, and the lions were neck and neck with junior blues.

“We went out and had great energy,” said coach Jeff Dixon. “Our adults have intensified. We caused them quite difficult. This starting five really intensifies and we hang our hat on intensity and play of defense. “

Dixon said there were times when the lions allow the bad defensive night to influence their crime or vice versa, but it was different tonight. The Lions used their protective energy to ignite their insult and followed positive results.

“We went to the fifth with one of the best teams around and I’m super proud of that,” Dixon said. “I think it’s really good to build on the second half of the season.”

After the first quarter, the Lions made Hustle play to win a slight 30-27 lead. Johnson continued to hit the shots and the team won 50-50 balls in the air. The lions started at 12-7, but Junior Blues ended the second quarter with 10-0.

Washburn Rural led 37-30 at half time and occupies the lead for the rest of the game.

“To win (the game), we had to keep it closer,” Dixon said. “But I was proud of how the energy level had not dropped. This is brynnae, this is nyasia (ramos), this is d’ema, this is a jail that wants us to play more difficult. “

Washburn Rural scored the first 6 points of the second half. Johnson and Jada Baars hit the 3rd Lawrence, but Junior Blues scored more effectively in the third quarter, and their lead increased to 16 points.

Lawrence had several bright places, one of which was freshman Lucy Juellsgaard, who scored 6 of the 12 points of the team. She and freshman Zoe Barber have played some of the most favorable minutes of their seasons in this tournament. Barber had a few thefts late and a few struggles where she pulled the ball out of the hands of a player, almost a foot taller than her.

“(Barber and Juelsgaard) just play hard,” Dixon said. “They have no fear – they are not intimidated. They are like a piranha and showed it tonight. I hesitated to put them on because of how small they were, but I did not give them the merit of how big their hearts were. “

Junior Blues-Plying State Kansas, engages Madi Wicker, finished the game by scoring into the rim and making trips to the free throws line. Half of their last 22 points came from free throws, and Jr. blues made only four field goals in the fourth quarter. The lions picked up fouls and could not keep the game in reach.

“I have a lot of faith in these children,” Dixon said. “Every time you can get out of a two -wins tournament, you accept this. Then, we will try to be difficult down (of the season). “

Photo from: Kahner Samppon/Special for World

Senior Lawrence D’ema Barnes takes the ball over the court against Washburn Rural areas during Capital City City in Topeca on Friday, January 31, 2025.

Photo from: Kahner Samppon/Special for World

Lawrence Jr. Jada Barar is charging to shoot 3 against rural Washburn during Capital City City in Topeca on Friday, January 31, 2025.

Photo from: Kahner Samppon/Special for World

The Lawrence Nyasia Ramos Elder is waiting for the ball to be in charge against Washburn Rural during Capital City City in Topeka on Friday, January 31, 2025.

Photo from: Kahner Samppon/Special for World

Senior Lawrence, Brane Johnson, divided the village defenders into Washburn during Capital City City in Topeca on Friday, January 31, 2025.

Photo from: Kahner Samppon/Special for World

Senior Lawrence, Brane Johnson, rose for a shot at Washburn’s rural defense during Capital City Classic in Topeka, on Friday, January 31, 2025.

Photo from: Kahner Samppon/Special for World

Lawrence’s senior Nyasia Ramos withdraws a dribble from a village defender of Washburn during Capital City Classic in Topeca on Friday, January 31, 2025.