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.