A puppy, a big cake and an even bigger victory.

Could Cherrale Ricks’ birthday have gone any better?

Ricks, a senior on the Lawrence High girls basketball team, celebrated her 18th birthday in style Friday, scoring 17 points and helping lead the Lions to a 61-60 victory over Kansas City Schlagle in the Firebird Winter Classic at Free State.

The victory, besides sending LHS into the fifth-place showdown with Free State at 10:30 this morning, was a big boost for the Lions (5-5). And, hey, it’s never bad to win on your birthday, either.

“We all stepped it up,” Ricks said. “We had to. We had to carry it through the entire game because we don’t want to lose again.”

Earlier, Ricks received a puppy as a birthday present from her parents. After the game, a big birthday cake decorated with a Chesty Lion was presented to Ricks in the locker room.

In between, she once again was solid. She scored 10 first-quarter points, drained nine of 11 free throws and teamed with junior Megan Klingler to provide an inside presence that Schlagle couldn’t contain.

Klingler finished with a team-high 18 points. This despite the presence of Schlagle’s Chaymeion Moss, who finished with 15 points after sitting out much of the second half with foul trouble.

“We need to get the ball inside,” LHS coach Kristin Mallory said. “With having two major posts, it’s hard to guard them both. Megan did a great job of getting Cherrale the ball when she had it in the high post.”

Lawrence High's Erin Knight catches a pass over Kansas City Schlagle's Chloe Orange.

Lawrence made the sensational play of Schlagle’s Ashley Birch a moot point. Birch set Firebird Classic tournament records with 36 points and seven steals, scoring 15 of her points in the third quarter. Her last three, on a three-pointer as time expired, still left the Stallions one point short, though.

“She’s fabulous,” Mallory said. “A lot of her points were off steals. She had really quick hands.”

Erin Knight added nine points for the Lions, and Jodie Cochrane added eight, including two three-pointers. The victory puts Thursday’s sluggish loss to Topeka Highland Park in the memory trash can — instantly.

A 2-1 record in the Firebird Classic would be even better for the Lions, who have struggled after being ranked in Class 6A to start the season.

“We need that, morale-wise,” Mallory said. “We have to get above .500. We haven’t been there in awhile.”

Lawrence’s leading scorer, senior Josie Polk, did not suit up Friday for unspecified reasons. Mallory would not comment on the issue. It’s unclear when or if Polk will play again.

6Sports video: Lawrence High squeaks past Schlagle

With her out, and LHS thin to begin with, everyone else had to step it up Friday. If for no other than reason than to make sure Ricks’s birthday didn’t end on a sour note.

Mission accomplished.

“Today was just a great day,” Ricks said. “I’m just so happy.”

Lawrence High's Megan Klingler, left, goes up for a shot against Kansas City Schlagle's Charmisha Farnsworth. The Lions won, 61-60, Friday at Free State.