To the very end, the Lawrence High boys basketball team kept firing away, but the Lions’ shots rarely entered the hoop.

“The lid was on the basket for us,” LHS coach Chris Davis said. “And that’s frustrating.”

As a result, Kansas City (Mo.) Pembroke Hill closed out LHS, winning 56-52 on Saturday at Blue Valley High to capture third place in the Blue Valley Shootout. The Lions (2-2), who won the tournament last year, finished fourth.

The Lions struggled offensively for much of the game. Senior Chance Riley scored 10 of the team’s 14 points in the first quarter. After that period, the Raiders shadowed Riley with two defenders, freeing up Kevin Logan, who led the Lions with 18 points. He attributed his offensive success to shooting with confidence.

Pembroke alternated between man-to-man and zone defense, but the latter stifled the Lions and helped account for a large free-throw disparity for the second straight night. The Raiders made 14 more free throws than the Lions attempted.

“The zone did give us trouble,” Davis said. “We have not spent a whole lot of time on zone offense. It’s something we will definitely work on.”

Another problem seemed to be tired legs, which took a little off the Lions’ shots.

“Oh my gosh,” Riley said. “I was just dying in the first half.”

Despite those woes, the Lions rallied with 19 fourth-quarter points. In a flurry at the end of the game, Riley converted a three-point play, and Nick Wagner nailed a three. Nathan Padia hit two free throws, and his three closed the Raiders’ lead to 53-52 with 34 seconds left.

“We did everything right to give ourselves a chance to win the game,” Davis said. “At the very end, we were standing there, which I’m very proud of.”

With 23.9 seconds left, the Lions trailed, 55-52, but Logan missed a three, and Pembroke regained possession. Despite his strong game, the Lions’ leading scorer blamed himself for the errant attempt.

“I made a really dumb decision, forcing that shot,” Logan said. “That was really stupid.”

Pembroke junior Spencer Ladner, who at 6-foot-7 also has the frame of an offensive lineman, proved to be an immovable force down low, leading all scorers with 21 points.

“He’s as strong as any kid we’ll see this season,” Davis said. “He and (Free State High’s) Christian Ballard are an awful lot alike.”

John Schneider, the Lions’ 6-7 post player, would have helped, but an injured ankle has prevented him from playing thus far. Still, Schneider’s presence may not have addressed Lawrence High’s biggest problem.

“We got the good shots,” Logan said. “They just wouldn’t fall.”