LHS, FSHS face tourney challenges

Lawrence High’s boys basketball team won a few close games to capture a Topeka Invitational Tournament championship last year. The road to a title won’t get any easier this season.

The Lions (10-0, ranked No. 1 in Class 6A) will open play against Wichita Southeast (4-5) at 5 p.m. today at Highland Park. The winner will face Kansas City Washington (7-2, No. 6 in 5A) or Topeka High (4-5) in the semifinals Friday.

“I’m really excited. I heard we got a lot of competition in the tournament,” LHS senior guard Tae Shorter said. “When we put our title up against teams that we know are good, that brings more excitement to us, and it’s a lot of fun.”

On the other side of the bracket is Wichita East (9-0, No. 3 in 6A) and two squads the Lions have previously beaten, Olathe South and Highland Park.

But tough competition is nothing new for the Lions, who beat second-ranked Olathe East on the road last week. With an undefeated record, LHS prepares for every team’s “best shot.”

“It’s always a target when you come in the gym,” Lawrence senior guard John Barbee said. “Especially in Highland Park, it’s going to be a big target on our back, but we’re ready for it.”

Even with some extra attention this year, the Lions are focused on defending their title.

“We’re obviously excited to come back in as the defending champs,” LHS coach Mike Lewis said. “We know we’ve got a long way to go to get to that championship game. Just the competition and the challenge of getting there will be a lot of motivation for us.”

Meanwhile, Free State High’s boys basketball players are thrilled to jump into tournament week.

The Firebirds (4-4) will face St. James (2-7) in the first round of the St. Thomas Aquinas Tournament at 3 p.m. today. Free State won the McPherson Invitational last year.

“I love it,” FSHS senior guard Weston Hack said. “Other than probably the postseason, it’s one of my favorite weeks because you get to play three games back-to-back-to-back. Games are what we’re here for, so it’s a lot of fun.”

Free State will face either Aquinas (6-2, No. 3 in 5A) or Washburn Rural (2-7) on Friday. The opposite side of the bracket includes Barstow (11-2, No. 2 in Missouri’s Class 3), Olathe East (6-3, No. 2 in 6A) and Bishop Miege (7-0, No. 1 in 4A-I).

But the Firebirds’ main focus is themselves. After losing three of their last four games, they want to get back on track, especially shooting the ball. Their only game with more than 43 points was in their win.

“We just have to start making baskets,” said Hack, who leads the team with 14 points per game. “That’s the name of the game.”

The Aquinas tournament will also give the Firebirds a look at how they can match up against teams they don’t usually face in the Sunflower League.

“To me, tournament week is about getting away, bonding with your team and having an opportunity to play different teams and different styles,” FSHS coach Chuck Law said. “It challenges your team’s preparation when you have to go on the fly like this and play three games in three days. You kind of find out what your team is made of.”