KANSAS CITY, KAN. ? Baldwin High’s girls basketball squad played Kansas City Ward nearly even Monday night.

There was one difference.

“The difference was rebounding,” Bulldog coach Eric Toot said after BHS fell, 62-54, to Ward on its Senior Night. “We gave up 16 offensive rebounds and only had three. We gave them too many second shots that they were able to cash in on.”

Ward had luck on its side, too. Baldwin was ahead, 13-9, as the first quarter was winding down, but a desperation half-court shot from Ward went in.

BHS stayed nearly even until just before halftime, when a buzzer-beating three-pointer gave Ward a six-point lead at the break.

“I think it was a big momentum boost for them,” Toot said. “It gave them a lot of excitement.”

Emily Brown had another outstanding game, scoring more than half of Baldwin’s points and finishing with 28.

But Ward (13-6), which Baldwin beat by eight earlier this season and Toot said “always played us very tough,” wasn’t to be denied.

“They really came out and took it to us,” Toot said. “They play probably the toughest schedule in the state for a (Class) 4A school.

“Their record has no meaning on how good they really are. They’re a very good basketball team.”

Baldwin (15-3) plays host today to Kansas City (Mo.) Pembroke Hill, then plays host Thursday to Louisburg in its final Frontier League matchup this season.

“If we win Thursday, we’ll be undefeated league champs,” Toot said.