Free State High’s Craig Rosenstengle didn’t waste any time making an impact on the gridiron during the fall, quickly becoming quarterback Ryan Murphy’s favorite target in the Firebirds’ spread offense.

It has taken a little longer for Rosenstengle to come to life on the hardwood.

Free State’s 78-59 rout of Olathe North on Friday represented a breakout performance for the junior forward, who contributed 10 points off the bench. No more than a minute after he entered the game, Rosenstengle hit a layup and a 15-foot jump shot from the left corner on back-to-back possessions. He also came up with a steal in the Firebirds’ full-court trap and found junior guard Kris Wilson open for a layup, plus the foul.

“I think he’s finally starting to understand being a role player on the basketball team versus being the man on the football team, which is a difficult transition for people,” Free State coach Chuck Law said of the standout wide receiver. “Craig’s been in a little bit of a funk. I think he’s finally starting to get his legs under him.”

Rosenstengle caught 23 passes for 585 yards and six touchdowns last fall for the 11-1 Firebirds.

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Too many turnovers: Despite Free State’s victory Friday night, the Firebirds still must work on fixing turnover problems.

Free State had 24 turnovers, compared to the 17 for Olathe North. Fortunately for the Firebirds, many of the turnovers came late, with the game already out of reach.

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A starter still: Junior forward Sarah Craft started two December games for the Free State girls basketball team while senior guard Jenna Brantley recovered from an ankle injury.

With Brantley back in the starting lineup Friday, Craft still started at the four-position against Olathe North. She rewarded coach Bryan Duncan’s decision by scoring 10 points in the Firebirds’ 68-37 victory.

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Where’s the three? Want a sign that the Lawrence High boys basketball team has adopted a pound-it-in-the-post offensive mentality instead of relying on three-point shots like it did last year?

LHS made only two three-pointers against Olathe Northwest on Friday, but soundly defeated the Ravens, 61-47.

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Another big body: John Schneider, a 6-foot-6 junior, scored 11 points in his first start Friday for the Lawrence High boys. The versatile player can score in the post or deftly knock down 15-foot jumpers.

“He’s really starting to step up and be a presence inside,” LHS coach Chris Davis said. “Every game he gains confidence.”

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Their own post presence: The LHS girls team has produced strong guard play all season, but displayed signs of an emerging inside game during Friday night’s 58-54 victory against Olathe Northwest.

With an ankle injury sidelining Tania Jackson, Syndei Tolefree and Abby Vestal stepped up, combining for 16 points.