In an absolute nail-biter, Free State girls basketball pulled out a narrow 57-54 victory over Barstow in the Olathe East tournament Thursday.

Junior guard Evy Harrell led the way for the Firebirds with 18 points, with junior guard Shannon Clarke and senior guard Caely Kesten right behind, each scoring 14 points.

After the Firebirds trailed 28-24, the second half proved to be the turning point for Free State as it outscored Barstow 32-23 in the second half.

Free State will next play in the fifth-place game against Blue Springs at 5 p.m. Friday.

Free State:

Evy Harrell – 18, Shannon Clark – 14, Caely Kesten – 14, Anna McIntire – 2, Joy Nunoo – 6, Robin Todd – 3

3 pointers — Harrell-1, Clarke – 2, Kesten – 2, Nunoo – 2, Todd – 1

Free State 12 12 14 18 — 57

Barstow 13 15 9 14 — 54