Lady 'Hawks cruise to a win in first substate contest

The Jayhawk defense boxes in a Baxter Spring player in the quarterfinal substate game on Thursday, Feb. 26. The Lady 'Hawks' defense has limited opponents' scoring to an average of less than 23 points per game. (Photos by Billy Roudybush / Journal contributor)

By Billy Roudybush

Journal contributor

The Baxter Springs Lionesses came roaring into Mound City on Thursday, Feb. 26, with the hope of tripping up the No. 1 seed Jayhawks in the Class 3A substate. However, the Lady 'Hawks (21-2 going into Thursday's match-up), have leveraged experience, height, the ability to make shots in the paint, and a nearly impenetrable defense into what has become a dream season.

The Three Rivers League champions, the Jayhawks' only losses came in early February to Lebo and Humboldt when at least one key player was unable to play. The Jayhawks easily swept the preseason Linn County Tournament at Osawatomie in December, and the Kenny Holt Memorial Tournament in Uniontown.

When the substate quarterfinal game tipped off on Thursday, the Jayhawk girls quickly demonstrated that they were the top seed for a reason. The Jayhawks set the pace from the very beginning. The Jayhawks took a quick lead of 22-2 by the end of the first quarter.

Jude Wade sinks a layup during the game against Baxter Springs.

Throughout the game, the Jayhawks hustled from one end of the court to the other. Their crushing defense by consistently deflected passes and trapped the Lionesses when they dribbled. Baxter Springs was not able to find a cure for that crushing defense.

When the Jayhawk girls went on offense, they were not selfish. They could break down the court and pass the ball three different times before they would finally shoot. It kept Baxter Springs players on their heels, unsure of who would shoot.

When the Jayhawks shot, there was always another player following behind for the offensive rebound, if it was necessary. Quick on transition and relentless defensive pressure propelled the Jayhawk girls to a 47-18 win.

Baxter Springs was led by sophomore Maliah Avery with 10 of their points.

While the whole team contributed to the offensive effor, senior Brenlyn Bogan led the Jayhawks with 15 points, while sophomore Addison Otto contributed 14.

This win takes the Lady Jayhawks forward another step on the tough path toward state. The ladies will host the eighth-seeded West Franklin Falcons (9-12) in the substate semifinal round at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4.

The Jayhawks varsity team that swept the Kenny Holt Memorial Basketball Tournament includes, from left, assistant coach Shelby Krull, JoVeia Clark, Adalyn Nation, Eleanor Vaughn, Addison Otto, Brea Dawson, Brenlyn Bogan, Brilyn Bogan, Jude Wade, Breck Umphenour, Logan Cochran, Jayden Holt, and head coach Chris Thomas.