Free State High coach Jack Schreiner won’t let Saturday’s dominating 73-47 victory over Topeka High be an excuse for his team to rest on its laurels.

“The key is, we have to continue to get better, because everybody else is,” Schreiner said. “We have to make sure we don’t get complacent or just figure we’re good enough where we are.”

Free State High's Sam Buhler, left, is fouled by Topeka High's Angelo Huffman. The Firebirds beat the Trojans, 73-47, Saturday night at Free State.

Free State (11-1), Class 6A’s top-ranked team, was better than it needed to be Saturday, overwhelming the Trojans offensively and defensively.

It was apparent early that Free State was poised for a big victory. A pair of Bobby Underwood three-pointers helped the Firebirds jump to an 11-0 lead in the first three minutes. The Firebirds led, 21-7, after the first quarter and sank nine of 13 shots in the frame.

Schreiner said his team’s main threat against the Trojans, and against all seven teams it beat in January, was its unusual five-guard set.

“We’re tough to defend, because I put five guards on the floor, and it makes it harder if you’ve got big guys who have to come out and defend our guards,” Schreiner said.

Free State ran a methodical, deliberate offense that cycled the ball around the perimeter until it found an open shot. Most of those shots came from Brady Morningstar, Sam Buhler, Matt Green and Scott Heitshusen, each of whom scored in double figures.

Free State High's Danny Pike, center, is wrapped up by two Topeka High defenders. The Firebirds routed the Trojans, 73-47, Saturday night at Free State.

Morningstar, who led the Firebirds with 14 points, said it was easy to score in Schreiner’s offense.

“If we’re shooting good, it’s hard to stop us, because we’re looking for a good shot every time,” Morningstar said.

As good as the Firebirds were on offense, they were even better on defense. Free State picked up 17 turnovers, several of which were converted into easy field goals in transition.

Photo gallery: Free State vs. Topeka High 01.29.05 Audio: Schreiner on the game Audio: Schreiner on team leadership Audio: Schreiner on the offense Audio: Morningstar on the offense

Schreiner said Buhler was his team’s defensive star Saturday night.

“All the things Brady does for us offensively, Sam Buhler does for us defensively,” Schreiner said. “I told the kids at halftime, ‘Those of you who do not understand the game, you need to watch Sam.'”

Free State, which earned its ninth straight victory, will play host to Shawnee Mission North at 7 p.m. Friday.