Free State High girls basketball players were angry at halftime Friday, frustrated with how they were playing in their home opener against Mill Valley.

In the second half, the Firebirds decided to use some of that anger to spark their defense. Free State forced eight turnovers in the second half, which helped the offense find some rhythm in a 55-46 victory at FSHS.

The Firebirds (3-0, ranked No. 4 in Class 6A) trailed by 13 points in third quarter before senior guard Caiti Schlesener hit two free throws, and sophomore point guard Cameryn Thomas helped force turnovers on back-to-back possessions with aggressive defense at mid-court.

That was the start of a 19-3 run over the final 5 1/2 minutes of the third quarter, taking a three-point lead into the fourth quarter when junior forward Madison Piper drilled a buzzer-beating triple.

“I think we felt a little embarrassed,” Thomas said. “We just came out and played defense really well, and we played aggressive. That changed everything.”

The Firebirds hounded the ball with their quick guards in the fourth quarter, grabbing steals and turning them into fast-break points. Thomas, Piper, senior forward Peyton Brown and sophomore guard Jaelyn Two Hearts each finished with at least two steals.

Piper, who was held to five points on 2-of-9 shooting in the first half, scored 20 points in the second half, including 11 in the third quarter. She found her smooth shooting stroke in the transition offense when the Jaguars weren’t face-guarding her with junior Courtney Carlson.

Midway through the third quarter, Piper scored on two straight possessions, adding a block on defense. She finished with a game-high 25 points, eight rebounds and three steals. Piper was also guarding Mill Valley’s top offensive player, senior Catie Kaifes, who finished with 19 points and 10 boards.

“I think I was trying too hard,” Piper said of her first half. “I was forcing myself. In the second half, I just let the game come to me, and my teammates helped get me open. Cameryn set the tone, honestly.”

In the fourth quarter, the Jaguars (1-2, ranked No. 7 in Class 5A) tied the game, 44-all, on a layup by sophomore guard Adde Hinkle with six minutes remaining. But Free State senior guard Hannah Walter responded with a layup, assisted from Two Hearts.

Two minutes later, Piper hit two free throws, and Schlesener ran past defenders for two layups and a 52-45 lead.

The Firebirds outscored Mill Valley in the second half, 37-16.

“We didn’t have a whole lot of strategic changes,” FSHS coach Bryan Duncan said. “I think, if anything, we told our kids to relax a little bit and slow down. We were almost playing too fast on offense. I think we just played a little bit smarter and little bit more competitive on the defensive end.”

The Firebirds jumped up and down by their bench following their comeback victory.

“First half, we struggled,” Piper said. “We didn’t come out ready. We didn’t play our game. In the locker room, we were mad and decided that was behind us.”

The Firebirds will travel to Lawrence High for the City Showdown at 5:30 p.m. Friday.

Mill Valley (46)

Courtney Carlson 2-5 0-0 4, Evan Zars 1-4 2-4 4, Catie Kaifes 7-11 3-5 19, Gabby Hopkins 0-3 0-0 0, Ashlyn Hendrix 3-6 2-3 8, Adde Hinkle 3-6 1-2 8, Presley Barton 1-3 0-0 3. Totals 17-38 8-14 46.

Free State (55)

Cameryn Thomas 1-4 3-3 5, Caiti Schlesener 2-6 2-2 6, Madison Piper 9-18 3-4 25, Hannah Walter 2-2 2-3 6, Peyton Brown 2-4 2-4 6, Jaycie Bishop 2-5 0-0 4, Jaleyn Two Hearts 1-4 0-0 3. Totals 19-43 12-16 55.

Mill Valley 16 14 9 7 — 46

Free State 8 10 24 13 — 55

Three-point goals: Mill Valley 4-14 (Kaifes 2, Hinkle, Barton); Free State 5-14 (Piper 4, Two Hearts). Turnovers: Mill Valley 17, Free State 16.