Sammy Williams (12) makes a pass to a fellow Lion at the top of the key in a game against Olathe Northwest, February 18.

With eight seconds to go in the game, LHS coach Jeff Dickson substituted out Chisom Ajekwu for junior Sophie DeWitt. Striding from one end of the court to the bench, Ajekwu took a seat with a big smile on her face as she finished her final game in the gym at Lawrence High School.

LHS took down Olathe Northwest (No. 9 in 6A) Monday evening on Senior Night by a score of 58-52. After losing three in a row, the Lions (11-8, 6-5 Sunflower League) picked up their second straight win.

LHS, which entered the season as preseason No. 9 in 6A, had not defeated a ranked opponent so far this season.

“We always say we don’t lose on senior night, no matter who we play,” LHS coach Jeff Dickson said. “It was a really big win to get right before the start of sub-state.”

The Lions led for the entire game, and did not let the Ravens come closer than two possessions while they were having a 22-point fourth quarter.

“You can’t have the same moment twice,” senior Hannah Stewart said. “I feel like it’s a moment that all of us will cherish forever. It’s just very memorable for sure.”

Senior Leslie Ostronic had the job guarding Northwest’s versatile scorer Sarah Beth Gueldner, currently a Drake commit. She would go on to assist on many of Ajekwu’s 21 points, and Sammy Williams’ 8.

Gueldner, the Sunflower League’s leading scorer, matched Ajekwu’s 21 with 21 of her own. The Ravens hit 11 3-pointers as a team, with Wade leading the game with six. Gueldner was limited to two triples on 13 attempts.

Stewart added 12 points with three 3-pointers.

LHS was able use its bench to its power and get extra points from key underclassmen contributors. Sophomore Ozi Ajekwu and freshman Layla Harjo each put points on the board, with Harjo netting two triples in the second half.

Senior Evann Seratte also started, and was on the court defending the Ravens’ guards as the Lions jumped out to their early lead.

“When we get multiple people scoring, that’s when we’re (at) our best,” Dickson said. “I’m extremely proud, extremely happy for the girls. We still have a lot of really important basketball to play.”

The Lions travel to face Olathe South (No. 5 in 6A) at 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

Olathe Northwest (52)

Mary Reiber 0-7 0-0 0; Liz Thomas 3-8 2-2 11; Erika Boeh 0-2 0-0 0; Riley Wade 6-10 2-5 20; Sarah Beth Gueldner 8-27 3-4 21. Totals: 17-55 7-11 52.

Lawrence (58)

Hannah Stewart 3-9 3-5 12; Leslie Ostronic 1-2 1-4 3; Sammy Williams 3-5 2-4 8; Evann Seratte 0-0 0-0 0; Chisom Ajekwu 10-17 1-2 21; Ella Stewart 0-2 0-1 0; Sophie DeWitt 0-0 0-0 0; Ozi Ajekwu 3-4 0-0 6; Layla Harjo 2-3 2-2 8. Totals: 22-42 9-18 58.

Olathe Northwest 7 15 8 22 – 52

Lawrence 18 10 15 15 – 58

3-point goals: Northwest: 11-35 (Wade 6, Thomas 3, Gueldner 2); Lawrence: 5-12 (Stewart 3, Harjo 2). Turnovers: Northwest 3, Lawrence 11. Fouled Out: None.