Overland Park ? The Lawrence High girls basketball team’s second-half comeback fell short as the Lions lost, 55-40, at Shawnee Mission West.

After falling behind by as many as 20 in the third quarter, the Lions cut the the deficit to eight before the Vikings pulled away again with free throws. Eleven of their 19 fourth-quarter points came from the line.

“We started fouling really early to gain some possessions, and we made a little run,” LHS coach Kristin Mallory said. “But our kids have to know that you can’t wait until the second half to turn on.”

The same carelessness that hurt the Lions early in the game stunted their rally, Mallory said.

“We had a turnover, then a foul and suddenly we weren’t so close,” she said.

Danielle Bird led the Lions with 15 points, while Sidney Wilson checked in with 13.

Mallory said she was disappointed with the Lions’ intensity from the opening tip.

“Effort-wise, we didn’t give it everything we had,” she said. “We missed a lot of easy shots, and we let that affect us on the defensive end. We didn’t deserve to win.”

LHS (7-9) will travel to Olathe North on Monday.

Shawnee Mission West 55, Lawrence High 40

LHS 6 5 11 18 – 40

SM West 7 17 12 19 – 55

LHS – Drew Huff 3, Sydney Wilson 13, Lindsey Lawrence 2, Sydnei Tollfree 5, Katelyn Hobbs 2, Danielle Bird 15.

SM West – Lawrence 2, Downing 13, A. Bahr 2, B. Bahr 4, Balazs 5, Beaman 13, Steffan 16.