The Topeka Lady Trojans were too much for the Liberal Lady Redskins. A strong and athletic Topeka team led by 11 and ended the Lady Red’s season 65-58 Friday night in the Big House. Liberal finishes 18-4. It’s their sixth straight second round loss. This loss came against a Topeka team which hasn’t lost since January.
Topeka, the Centennial League co-champs, jumped out to leads of 7-2 and 15-7 carving up Liberal’s man to man defense with strong drives to the basket. THS led 20-11. Liberal’s frenzied defense forced Topeka into turnovers on four straight possessions cutting the lead to 23-20. LHS trailed 27-24 and Topeka led 29-24 at the half. Liberal tied the game early in the second half at 31-31 and had the crowd in the game. Liberal trailed 33-32 when Topeka’s Hailey Caryl picked up her fourth foul. She had been effective on the glass and scored 16 points at that time. But Topeka ripped off a 14-4 run to lead 47-36. Topeka led 49-40 after three. Liberal cut the lead to 56-50 and 55-49. The Trojans led 57-49 with 3:28 to play. Topeka led 60-51. The Trojans led 64-53.
The Black Hills Energy Player of the Game is Shamari Lewis with 30 points. She finishes with 1,185 career points. Maliyah Mullens scored 12. Madysen Hammond scored a career high nine.
Topeka is 17-8 and wins their 11th straight game. Liberal finishes 18-4.
