LHS girls battle back for 51-48 victory

? The Lawrence High girls basketball team took its first lead over Emporia in the fourth quarter Tuesday night, then held on for a 51-48 victory.

With four minutes remaining in the game, Lawrence’s Anna Wright scored a three-pointer. The Lions proceeded to open up a seven-point lead before the Spartans narrowed the deficit to two points in the final minute. Krista Costa sank one of two free throws with seven seconds remaining to extend the Lawrence lead to three points, and Lawrence held off Emporia on the final possession of the game.

“I was really proud of how they competed,” LHS coach Nick Wood said — the Lions trailed 20-7 at one point in the first half.

“When we got down early, it would have been easy to give in and quit. The way they battled back showed amazing heart and character. Every single girl contributed to our victory.”

Monica Howard scored 18 points for LHS, and Kionna Coleman had 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Lawrence (4-5) plays next against Washburn Rural on Thursday at Free State’s Firebird Classic.