With the score tied entering the fourth quarter, Lawrence High senior Skylar Drum and junior E’lease Stafford scored in the opening minute of the final period to open up some breathing room.

The LHS girls basketball team never looked back, drilling free throws in the final minutes to earn a 50-43 victory over Emporia in the Glacier’s Edge Invitational at Emporia High.

“That was a huge win for our kids,” LHS coach Jeff Dickson said. “They were tremendous and beat an incredibly well-coached, hard-working championship team. We were very fortunate to get out of there with a victory.”

The Lions (9-2) will face Derby in the championship game at 2 p.m. today.

EMPORIA (43)

Taylor Cooper 0 2-2 2, Jennica Smith 0 2-2 2, Kelsey Gordon 3 2-2 8, Allie Christinsen 0 0-0 0, Reyanna Breshears 0 0-0 0, Tamia Victor 3 2-3 8, Braxtyn Stewart 5 8-9 18, Mya Tovar 0 0-0 0, Taylor Milleson 2 1-2 5. 13 17-20 43.

LAWRENCE (50)

Hannah Stewart 1 4-6 7, Olivia Lemus 2 2-2 8, Skylar Drum 1 0-0 2, Sammy Williams 0 0-0 0, Tyrin Cosey 0 0-2 0, Tamo Thomas 2 0-0 5, Asia Goodwin 3 0-0 6, E’lease Stafford 4 5-7 14, Chisom Ajekwu 4 0-0 8. Totals 17 11-17 50.

Emporia 5 10 15 13 — 43

Lawrence 13 4 13 20 — 50

Three-point goals: Emporia 0; Lawrence 5 (Lemus 2, Stewart, Thomas, Stafford).