Free State’s girls basketball team picked up its first win of the season and inaugural victory under its new coach, defeating Shawnee Heights by a 40-38 margin on the road Tuesday night.

The win was the first for FSHS head coach Chris Linner in his coaching career after he took over the program in the summer. Linner, who came to Free State after spending two seasons as an assistant for Blue Valley Northwest, is in his first year as a varsity head coach.

Senior Daeci Jaillite-Walker served as the hero of the Firebirds’ first win of the year. She hit the game-winning shot at the buzzer to give Free State a narrow victory after the team dropped a 44-42 decision to Blue Valley Northwest in the season opener.

It was a good night for the seniors, as fellow seniors Evy Harrell and Shannon Clarke both finished in double figures. Clarke led the Firebirds in scoring with 15 points, while Harrell ended up with 10 points. Clarke and Harrell each knocked down two 3-pointers in the win.

Free State (1-1) will travel to Shawnee Mission Northwest on Thursday, Dec. 17.

Free State 9 15 3 13 — 40

Shawnee Hts 11 2 16 9 — 38

Free State (40)

Evy Harrell 10, Shannon Clarke 15, Daeci Jaillite-Walker 9, Thayu Kimori 4, Anna McIntire 2