For the second consecutive season, the Lawrence High girls basketball team fell in the sub-state championship.

It was always going to be a tough path to get back to the 6A state tournament for the first time since 2017, as Lawrence was in Derby’s region. The Panthers, who are the defending Class 6A state champs, extended their win streak to 43 consecutive games with a 60-40 victory over the Lions at DHS Saturday afternoon.

“I was so proud of how hard our kids played today and how they battled,” LHS head coach Jeff Dickson said. “Our seniors were incredible and have absolutely nothing to hang their heads about. They played like champions and left the floor that way. The final score does not reflect how close and intense that game was.”

Lawrence (12-10) posted 11-point periods in each of the final three quarters, but was never able to slow down Derby enough to complete the comeback. Senior Chisom Ajekwu, a KU signee, and freshman Layla Harjo each led the way with 8 points in the season-ending defeat.

LAWRENCE (40)

Hannah Stewart 7, Ella Stewart 3, Sammy Williams 6, Sophie DeWitt 2, Layla Harjo 8, Evann Seratte 2, Ozi Ajekwu 4, Chisom Ajekwu 8.

DERBY (60)

Nilles 3, Myers 11, Kennedy 4, Schomp 4, Alford 13, Mills 6, Brown 19.

LHS 7 11 11 11 — 40

DHS 14 20 14 12 — 60