Well that was painful. Last Tuesday night, the Free State High boys basketball dropped its 16th straight game, losing 53-44 to Shawnee Mission North, which entered the game with a 2-14 record. The loss hit the Firebirds hard, as players dejectedly exited the locker room after the game, with slumping shoulders, sighs of frustration and visible disappointment. With just three games remaining in the regular season, the loss all but guaranteed the Firebirds the No. 8 seed in the upcoming sub-state tournament. The only thing left to wonder is who the Birds will play. If the postseason were to begin today, Free State (1-17) would take on top-seed SM Northwest (15-3) on the road in the first round. Northwest blasted Free State, 60-38, Feb. 11 at FSHS. Meanwhile, the Lawrence High boys — 10-8 and winners of five of their last six — would have a home game in Rd. 1, with the Lions playing host to SM West (7-10). Speaking of intriguing, on the girls side of things, the always-possible, oh-so-popular match-up between the LHS and Free State girls appears to be very possible this postseason. Thanks to the Firebirds’ win over top-seeded SM West on Thursday, FSHS moved into the No. 3 seed, with their 10-8 record. LHS, meanwhile, improved to 9-9 and currently sits in the 4-5 game. A lot can happen between now and then, especially when you consider that the two still have their league game to play on Feb. 27 at LHS. But it sure is interesting to see the Lions and Firebirds gravitating towards each other yet again in the postseason brackets. Sub-state play is scheduled for March 4-7, with the state tournament scheduled for March 12-14 in Emporia. Here’s a look at where things stand today. The higher seed hosts in Round 1, with the sub-state championship games scheduled to be played at Free State.Check back during the next week and a half for updated looks at the pairings.

Boys Sub-State Pairings (Through Feb. 21)

1. SM Northwest 15-3

8. Free State 1-17

4. Leavenworth 10-7

5. SM South 9-9

3. Lawrence 10-8

6. SM West 7-10

2. SM East 12-6

7. SM North 3-15

Girls Sub-State Pairings (Through Feb. 21)

1. SM East 15-4

8. SM Northwest 2-14

4. SM North 9-9

5. Lawrence 9-9

3. Free State 10-8

6. SM South 8-9

2. SM West 14-4

7. Leavenworth 4-12