photo by: Chance Parker

Lawrence High senior Jayden Wilson looks for someone to pass to against Olathe Northwest Thursday evening at LHS on Dec. 3, 2020.

Lawrence High’s girls basketball team was overwhelmed in a 71-38 road loss to Washburn Rural on Saturday afternoon.

The Junior Blues, who are ranked No. 4 in Class 6A, doubled up the Lions after the opening period by racing out to a 20-10 lead. It was more of the same for the remainder of the contest, with Washburn Rural posting three 20-point periods and Lawrence never cracking more than 10 points in any single quarter.

Still, it was a good test for a young LHS squad that fell to 2-8 with its latest loss. Washburn Rural improved to 12-1, while extending its win streak to seven consecutive games since its 53-49 loss to Topeka High.

“(Washburn Rural) is by far the best team we have seen this season,” LHS head coach Jeff Dickson said. “They play so hard and unselfishly and they move the ball well and always make the extra pass. They are legit state championship contenders.”

Junior Layla Harjo led LHS in a losing effort with 10 points. Sophomore Amaya Marshall was second on the team in scoring by adding in 8 points. Senior Jayden Wilson knocked down a pair of 3-pointers to finish with 6 points.

“I thought we had great stretches where we finally played Lady Lion basketball,” Dickson said.

Lawrence will travel to Olathe South at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Lawrence High 10 10 8 10 — 38

Washburn Rural 20 23 20 8 — 71

Lawrence 2-8 (38)

Jayden Wilson 6, Hailey Ramirez 2, Amaya Marshall 8, Layla Harjo 10, Lucy Hardy 2, Serenity Keo 5, Chais Chickaway 3, Azura Clark 2.