Tonganoxie ? The rims inside Tonganoxie High’s Phil Lobb gymnasium were about as inviting as the recent winter storm Wednesday night for the host Chieftains.

Playing fifth-seeded Atchison in a Class 4A girls sub-state first-round basketball game, No. 2 Tonganoxie opened by shooting a dismal 2-of-15 from the field in the first quarter and never recovered in a season-ending 44-35 loss.

The Redmen made six of 11 shots as they built a 12-5 cushion after the first quarter, which they stretched to 24-15 by halftime.

Tonganoxie finished with a 10-11 record, while Atchison advanced with a 6-15 record.

The Chieftains actually opened the season with a convincing 53-39 win against Atchison in its preseason tournament. The quicker Chieftains frustrated the more physical Redmen in that contest, but Atchison roughed up Tonganoxie Wednesday with a 2-3 zone that caused problems.

“We made shots the first game and did a better job of attacking that first game,” Tonganoxie coach Randy Kraft said.

The first-year Tonganoxie coach knew Atchison had improved. In a midseason tournament, AHS held its own against Bonner Springs. The Braves are 15-5 heading into their 5A sub-state tournament.

The Chieftains shot 29 percent from the field (15 of 51). Throw in a 2-for-10 effort from the free-throw line, and the performance spelled an early exit from the postseason.

Atchison made 12 of 22 free throws.

Tonganoxie made a run in the second half, limiting Atchison to four points in the third quarter. The Chieftains trailed 28-23 heading into the fourth, but Tonganoxie hit another cold spell. Atchison went on a 5-0 run before Tonganoxie’s Sara Holliday took a half-court pass from Addie Heim and scored with 5:35 remaining.

The play looked like a possible spark, but Tonganoxie couldn’t make another run.

“Things change when you get to sub-state, because it doesn’t matter what your record was. It’s about who wants it more,” said junior Kelly Breuer, who led Tonganoxie with 10 points.

Atchison moves on to the semifinals and will play Perry-Lecompton (7-14) at 6 p.m. Friday in Holton.

Atchison 44, Tonganoxie 35

Atchison 12 12 4 16 — 44

Tonganoxie 5 10 8 12 — 35

Atchison — Rudy Crittendon 7, Sarah Berger 7, Brandy Gray 6, Lauren Smith 12, Tabetha Locke 2, Katie Tacy 9, Diamond Anthony 1.

Tonganoxie — Michelle McWilliams 1, Addie Heim 4, Madison Weller 8, Katie Jeannin 5, Kelly Breuer 10, Jennifer Reischman 3, Sarah Holliday 4.