photo by: Kahner Sampson/Special to the Journal-World

Lawrence senior Brynnae Johnson skips a pass to a teammate during the game against Washburn Rural at the Capital City Classic in Topeka on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.

The Lawrence girls basketball team started strong, but a lack of size hurt the Lions in the second half of a 75-48 loss to Washburn Rural in the Capital City Classic on Friday.

The loss moved the Lions to the third-place game, which will take place on Saturday at 10 a.m. at Topeka West High School.

The Lions had a couple of key players who were not dressed for the game. Freshman guard Jayla Colter continued to be sidelined from an ankle injury, and sophomore Cami Nauholz didn’t play after playing against Shawnee Mission West on Thursday. Nauholz, a sophomore, is the team’s top scorer and rebounder.

Lawrence came out strong through the first quarter despite the injuries. Seniors D’ema Barnes and Brynnae Johnson shot the ball from distance, and the Lions were neck-and-neck with the Junior Blues.

“We came out and had great energy,” coach Jeff Dickson said. “Our seniors stepped up. We challenged them pretty hard. That starting five has really stepped up, and we’re hanging our hat on our intensity and playing defense.”

Dickson said there have been times when the Lions allow a poor defensive night to affect their offense or vice versa, but tonight was different. The Lions used their defensive energy to spark their offense, and positive results followed.

“We went toe-to-toe with one of the best teams around, and I’m super proud of that,” Dickson said. “I think it’s something really good to build on for the second half of the season.”

After the first quarter, the Lions made hustle plays to gain a slight 30-27 lead. Johnson continued to hit shots and the team won 50-50 balls in the air. The Lions started on a 12-7, but the Junior Blues ended the second quarter on a 10-0 run.

Washburn Rural led 37-30 at halftime and held the lead for the rest of the game.

“To win (the game), we had to keep it closer,” Dickson said. “But I was proud of how the energy level didn’t drop. That’s Brynnae, that’s Nyasia (Ramos), that’s D’ema, that’s Jayla willing us to play harder.”

Washburn Rural scored the first 6 points of the second half. Johnson and Jada Baars hit 3s for Lawrence, but the Junior Blues scored more efficiently in the third quarter, and their lead grew to 16 points.

Lawrence had a couple of bright spots, one being freshman Lucy Juelsgaard, who scored 6 of the team’s 12 points. She and freshman Zoey Barber have played some of the most varsity minutes of their seasons in this tournament. Barber had a couple of steals late and a few rebounds where she ripped the ball away from the arms of a player almost a foot taller than her.

“(Barber and Juelsgaard) just play hard,” Dickson said. “They have no fear — they are not intimidated. They’re like piranhas, and they showed it tonight. I’ve been hesitant to put them in because of how small they are, but I haven’t given them the credit for how big their hearts are.”

The Junior Blues — particularly Kansas State commit Maddie Vickery — finished the game by scoring at the rim and taking trips to the free-throw line. Half of their final 22 points came from free throws, and the Junior Blues made only four field goals in the fourth quarter. The Lions racked up fouls and couldn’t keep the game in reach.

“I have a lot of faith in these kids,” Dickson said. “Anytime you can come out of a tournament with two wins, you take that. Then, we’re going to try to be a tough out down the stretch (of the season).”

photo by: Kahner Sampson/Special to the Journal-World

Lawrence senior D’ema Barnes brings the ball down the court against Washburn Rural during the Capital City Classic in Topeka on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.

photo by: Kahner Sampson/Special to the Journal-World

Lawrence junior Jada Baars loads up to shoot a 3 against Washburn Rural during the Capital City Classic in Topeka on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.

photo by: Kahner Sampson/Special to the Journal-World

Lawrence senior Nyasia Ramos waits for the ball to be inbounded against Washburn Rural during the Capital City Classic in Topeka on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.

photo by: Kahner Sampson/Special to the Journal-World

Lawrence senior Brynnae Johnson splits Washburn Rural defenders during the Capital City Classic in Topeka on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.

photo by: Kahner Sampson/Special to the Journal-World

Lawrence senior Brynnae Johnson rises up for a shot over the Washburn Rural defense during the Capital City Classic in Topeka, on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.

photo by: Kahner Sampson/Special to the Journal-World

Lawrence senior Nyasia Ramos pulls back her dribble from a Washburn Rural defender during the Capital City Classic in Topeka on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.