Lawrence High girls basketball coach Nick Wood knows his team will be challenged in every game it plays in the Capital City Classic at Washburn Rural.

He also knows that his team has to learn how to start games with the proper level of energy. The Lions (3-6) have had a few bad first quarters, often falling in a hole that they can’t climb out.

“That’s where the girls have to step up at some point and be leaders and get themselves ready to go from the opening tip,” Wood said.

His players will get another shot to play well in the first quarter tonight against Topeka Seaman (5-5) at 7:30 p.m. Eight teams make up the tournament, including top seeds Maize (7-2) and host Washburn Rural (7-3).

The LHS coaches can prepare as much as possible, but Wood says they can’t force their players to come out of the locker room with loads of energy.

“Eventually, they have to take ownership of this team and when they walk out there on the floor, they’re ready to go,” Wood said.

The Lions will be without senior Rachel Kelly for their three games today, tomorrow and Saturday. Kelly, recovering from a head injury, could be ready for Tuesday’s game at Shawnee Mission North.