photo by: Carter Gaskins

Free State's Daeci Walker goes up for a layup during a game against Lawrence High Friday night at LHS on Feb. 19, 2021.

Free State’s girls basketball team secured a postseason win by defeating Junction City, 50-26, during Saturday’s play-in game at Junction City.

The Firebirds jumped out to an early 11-0 lead by knocking down shots and playing strong defense. After taking a 12-6 lead into the second quarter, FSHS added to its advantage with 14 points and 16 more in the third quarter.

“It was a great team effort with everyone contributing and playing their role well,” first-year head coach Chris Linner said.

Thanks to great ball movement, the Firebirds had three players end up in double figures. Senior Daeci Walker paced the group with 14 points by hitting four shots in the second half. Senior Robin Todd knocked down a pair of 3-pointers on her way to a 13-point performance.

Senior Evy Harrell controlled the tempo on the offensive end, while adding in 11 points on four baskets. Senior Shannon Clarke scored 6 points, but found a way to affect the game as a passer and was disruptive on defense with a handful of steals and blocks.

Free State will travel to Topeka High at 7 p.m. Wednesday for its substate semifinal matchup. The Trojans finished as a runner-up in Class 6A two years ago and made it to the semifinals last season before state basketball tournaments were canceled due to COVID-19.

Free State 12 14 16 8 — 50

Junction City 6 7 7 6 — 26

Free State (50)

Evy Harrell 11, Shannon Clarke 6, Myla Nover-Estes 4, Robin Todd 13, Daeci Walker 14, Anna McIntire 2.