By Todd Fertig
TopSports.news
The Topeka High girls basketball team started a new era with a young lineup and, despite some growing pains, were encouraged by what they saw in a 44-40 loss to Wamego at Topeka High Thursday.
Topeka High coach Britney Redmond gives instructions to her team during Thursday's 44-40 loss to Wamego. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Topeka High senior Ladaysha Baird fights for a loose ball in Thursday's 44-40 loss to Wamego. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
The Trojans played just one player – Ladaysha Baird – who was older than a sophomore. Baird is one of two holdovers from last year’s team that went 16-6 and came just short of a trip to the 6A state tournament.
The young Trojans fell behind by 12 in the second period, but they didn’t wilt. They struck back after halftime, outscoring the Lady Raiders 12-2 in the third period. Topeka High claimed the lead 29-28 early in the fourth and kept it close the rest of the way.
“I think we have the youngest team in the state of Kansas. We didn’t play our best and still only lost by four,” said Topeka High coach Brittney Redmond. “I know the identity of this team and I told them ‘Hey, second half, things are going to go our way.’ ”
The Trojans were led in scoring by freshman Ahsieryrhajh Rayton with 16. In all, Topeka High played three freshmen and three sophomores in addition to Baird.
“There were a lot of nerves. I don’t think they knew what to expect today,” Redmond said. “I think they exceeded my expectations. I’m extremely proud of this group. I know this is only just the beginning.”
Having experience playing on a team that competed for championships, Baird has embraced her new role guiding this group.
“It was an adjustment, but I love this team,” Baird said. “I’m so ready to grow with them. It’s hard playing with a bunch of young ones, but when they’re sophomores and juniors, they are going to rise up.
“My role is to get them ready and to be a leader. These young ones are going to score that ball. I’m going to play my part and be that leader and be there for them.”
Wamego was led by sophomore Lexi Hecht, who tallied 22 points. After a cold start, Hecht hit several crucial baskets to help the Lady Raiders maintain their lead.
Senior Rylie Meinhardt chipped in 10 for the visitors.
WAMEGO GIRLS 44, TOPEKA HIGH 40
Wamego 17 9 2 16 -- 44
Topeka High 11 4 12 13 -- 40
Wamego (1-0) – Hecht 8-27 3-7 22, Cooper 0-1 0-0 0, Wilber 2-10 1-2 5, Meinhardt 4-5 2-7 10, Springer 2-5 0-0 6, Pittenger-Reed 0-5 1-3 1, Frazier-Brown 0-0 0-0 0, Razzano 0-0 0-0 0. Totals: 16-53 7-19 44.
Topeka High (0-1) – Kincaide 1-3 1-2 3, Triplett 2-5 1-2 5, Marshall 3-11 0-0 6, Rayton 7-17 0-2 16, Gotru 3-12 0-0 6, Baird 2-8 0-0 4, Mayfield 0-0 0-0 0. Totals: 18-56 2-6 40.
3-point goals – Wamego 5 (Hecht 3, Springer 2), Topeka High 2 (Rayton 2). Total fouls – Wamego 11, Topeka High 16. Fouled out – None. Technical fouls – None.
