photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Jada Baars looks to pass against Shawnee Mission West on Thursday, January 30, 2025 in the Capital City Classic in Topeka.

Topeka — The Lawrence High School girls basketball team started the Capital City Classic with a win, defeating Shawnee Mission West 54-36 on Thursday.

“I thought everybody stepped up and filled their roles and did what they’re supposed to do,” assistant coach Jeff Colter said. “Everybody touched the ball, everybody kind of did what they do, and that led to a big win.”

The Lions took an early lead and controlled the game the rest of the way. Senior Brynnae Johnson scored the first two buckets, and sophomore Cami Nauholz scored the next two. Nauholz had a big night as a rebounder and scorer, and she consistently scored second-chance points and got to the free-throw line.

Shawnee Mission West didn’t score its first points until the 4-minute mark of the first quarter, and the team finished with only 7 points in the quarter. Meanwhile, the Lions finished the quarter on a 7-0 run with 5 points from Johnson and another field goal from freshman Zoey Barber and led 22-7 after the quarter.

Neither team scored much in the second quarter, and the Lions only scored 5 points. However, the Lions’ defense held strong and racked up steals and forced turnovers while out-rebounding the Vikings. Nauholz scored 4 of the 5 points in the quarter, and Johnson supplied the other. By halftime, the Lions led 27-15.

The lack of scoring on either end was partly due to the number of calls that both teams received. Johnson said that she thought the Lions did well in disregarding how the game was called and continuing to play aggressively.

Lawrence relied on some bench players who stepped up in larger roles. Regularly starting freshman guard Jayla Colter was sidelined with an ankle injury, so junior Jada Baars started in her place and was an impact player as a facilitator, defender and rebounder.

“She’s been itching to get out there, and now that she’s out there, she’s going hard, and she’s doing everything she can to stay out there,” Colter said. “I’m very proud of what she’s doing. She’s stepping up offensively and defensively.”

In the second half, the Lions pushed toward a 20-point lead. Senior D’ema Barnes scored 6 points in a 10-0 run midway through the third quarter. Nauholz stretched the floor by hitting two 3s, and the Lions led 47-29 at the end of the quarter.

Nauholz kept her pace up in the fourth and scored 5 points early to give the Lions a 54-29 lead. Lawrence only scored one more field goal, but the Lions kept their lead and won by 18 points.

The Lions are using this tournament to gain experience in playing multiple games in a short time period. The tournament also gives the team a chance to play schools and styles they don’t typically see, which will benefit the team in the postseason.

“It’ll bring out our mental toughness,” Johnson said of the tournament. “A lot of people’s fire came out today, so I think that shows what we can do even when we are tired and in a situation.”

Lawrence will play Washburn Rural on Friday at 8 p.m. at Topeka West High School.

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Lawrence senior Nyasia Ramos dribbles at the top of the key against Shawnee Mission West in the first game of the Capital City Classic in Topeka on Thursday, January 30, 2025.

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Lawrence sophomore Cami Nauholz spins and shoots under the rim against Shawnee Mission West on Thursday, January 30, 2025 in the Capital City Classic in Topeka.