FSHS girls ‘have nothing to lose’ heading into postseason

Looking for their first Class 6A state tournament appearance since 2010, Free State High’s girls basketball players are loose in practice and calm during games.

In coach Ted Juneau’s opinion, that just makes the Firebirds much more dangerous in the postseason. Free State will open against Topeka High at 7 tonight at FSHS in the first round of sub-state.

“I think they have the kind of attitude, ‘We have nothing to lose,'” Juneau said. “That’s a great attitude to have. We’ve been loose and working hard. You never know when the ball gets thrown up but right now, I feel good about where we’re at.”

The fourth-seeded Firebirds (12-8) own a 4-2 record since losing all-state senior Madison Piper to a season-ending ankle injury.

Piper’s teammates didn’t panic after the injury. Roles shifted and different players have stepped up each game.

“I think everyone knew once she got hurt that we were going to have to step up,” Free State senior Jaycie Bishop said. “I don’t think we knew how much we’d have to step up.”

The fifth-seeded Trojans (9-11) are led by 6-foot-2 senior center Erica Birch, who is averaging 15.5 points per game. Seniors Corieann Emanuel (9.2 points) and Rylee Burris (6.1) follow Birch’s lead.

“We always seem to find someone 6-1 or 6-2 to play,” Juneau joked.

Playing without the 5-11 Piper, the Firebirds have used 5-7 junior Cameryn Thomas to defend players in the post with a big height advantage. Using her athleticism, Thomas has turned an expected post defense weakness into a strength alongside 5-7 junior Jaelyn Two Hearts and 5-11 freshman Haley Hippe.

“I think that our team is definitely ready after the (Lawrence High) game,” Bishop said, referring to an 11-point loss last week. “I think there is a little chip on our shoulder to get a good lead in the beginning and stick with that.”

With a focus on one game at a time, the Firebirds are excited for the postseason and their final home game.

“I think we’re well aware that it is do-or-die, but in some ways, for us maybe a little less pressure,” Juneau said. “Once we lost Madison, I think some people did think, ‘Well, that’s the end of it.’ Quite honestly, we’ve done pretty well.”

Lawrence’s girls basketball team earned the No. 1 seed in its sub-state bracket, facing Kansas City Wyandotte (3-13) in the first round at 7 p.m. today at LHS.

The Lions (16-4), on a five-game winning streak, won an earlier matchup this season, 63-20, in early December.