The two teams that ended the 2007-08 season in the Class 6A state title game were back on the floor Friday night for the first game of the 2008-09 season.

The Lawrence High girls, which won the 2008 state championship, opened their title defense against perennial state powerhouse Washburn Rural. Despite a spirited effort from an undermanned LHS lineup, the Lions fell, 67-63.

Senior Taylor Bird led the Lions (0-1) with 20 points, junior Haley Parker added 13 and juniors Cassie Potter and Jasmyn Turner added 11 apiece.

Washburn Rural (1-0) was paced by Alexa Bordewick, who led all scorers with 22 points.

In boys action, Dorian Green got LHS off to a fast start with a 22-point, 8-rebound effort in a 64-53 victory over Washburn Rural.

The boys jumped out to an early lead during the opening stretch but saw Rural scratch and claw its way back to even midway through. The Lions and Junior Blues played nip and tuck the rest of the way before LHS pulled away late.

Lance Kilburn added 17 for LHS (1-0).

In other area action, the Eudora boys defeated Anderson County, 46-35, and Perry-Lecompton’s girls fell to Bishop Ward, 50-31.