photo by: Chance Parker/Special to the Journal-World

Lawrence High huddles during the game against Lee's Summit on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, in Stilwell.

Stilwell – The growing pains continued for Lawrence High boys basketball in a 60-56 loss to Lee’s Summit on Thursday at the Blue Valley-Rick Taylor Shootout. Late-game mistakes caused the Chesty Lions to cough up a one-possession lead, handing LHS a third consecutive loss to begin the season.

Down nine early, the Chesty Lions (0-3) found a groove in the second quarter behind junior Avery Johnson (16 points) and senior Zaxton King (15 points) that stuck around well into the second half. Sophomore and varsity newcomer Josh Galbreath, who went 5-for-6 from the field, added 13 points in his first career start for LHS.

The Lions, up a basket with 1:39 to play, squandered their lead on turnovers by Johnson and King late in the ballgame.

The result was a 6-0 run, led by junior big man Jaylen Lackhart (13 points) at the free-throw line, that pushed Lee’s Summit over the edge with a mere 11 seconds remaining. Lee’s Summit sophomore Landon VanPelt was another instigator, finishing the day with 12 points.

Even so, first-year LHS coach Nick Wood said Thursday was his group’s most complete showing yet.

“The next step in our development is to learn how to win a basketball game,” Wood said of the disappointing finish. “They had one, we had an opportunity to go out there and win a basketball game today, and we didn’t make enough plays down the stretch to make that happen.”

photo by: Chance Parker/Special to the Journal-World

Lawrence High senior Zaxton King shoots the ball against Lee’s Summit on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, in Stilwell.

Coming back from halftime in rhythm, LHS leapt to a 37-34 lead under a minute into the third quarter. Six points by Johnson and two big 3s by King and junior Gordon Fineday in the third quarter helped LHS stay ahead by a hair, leading the Tigers 45-44 heading into the fourth quarter.

After getting outscored 16-11 through the final eight minutes, Fineday feels LHS needs to play more physically on both ends of the floor.

“Playing strong should be what we’re working on,” Fineday said. “Offensively, we’ve focused on moving the ball and I know (King) is taking a heavy load and we’re trying to take some of that off him.”

photo by: Chance Parker/Special to the Journal-World

Lawrence High senior Gordon Fineday passes the ball against Lee’s Summit on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, in Stilwell.

Johnson agreed, adding that defensive pressure and miscommunications are two hurdles this LHS squad needs to clear to plant that first “W” on the schedule.

“I think more people can handle the ball better,” Johnson said. “We can clean up passes and push to the edge. We just need some of those possessions.”

LHS will meet an opponent to be determined in the final round of the Blue Valley-Rick Taylor Shootout. Tipoff is slated for 3:15 p.m Friday.

BOX SCORE:

Lawrence High (56) Zaxton King 6-15 2-5 15; Avery Johnson 6-10 0-0 16; Banks Bowen 1-4 0-0 2; Josh Galbreath 5-6 3-5 13; Kem Allen 0-2 0-0 -. Totals: 22-45 5-10 56.

Lee’s Summit (60) De’Anthony Carter 3-4 0-0 6; Mekhi McNeil 3-3 1-2 7; Gatlin Brody 2-4 0-0 5; Cole Smidt 3-6 0-1 6; Jaylen Lackhart 4-8 4-6 13. Totals: 25-45 5-9 60.

photo by: Chance Parker/Special to the Journal-World

Lawrence High junior Banks Bowen drives the ball during the game against Lee’s Summit on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, in Stilwell.

photo by: Chance Parker/Special to the Journal-World

Lawrence High senior Zaxton King during the game against Lee’s Summit on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, in Stilwell.

photo by: Chance Parker/Special to the Journal-World

Lawrence High junior Banks Bowen during the game against Lee’s Summit on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, in Stilwell.

photo by: Chance Parker/Special to the Journal-World

Lawrence High coach Nick Wood during the game against Lee’s Summit on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, in Stilwell.

photo by: Chance Parker/Special to the Journal-World

Lawrence High junior Avery Johnson during the game against Lee’s Summit on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, in Stilwell.

photo by: Chance Parker/Special to the Journal-World

Lawrence High senior Zaxton King shoots the ball against Lee’s Summit on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, in Stilwell.