By CHARLES SPURLOCK
Special to TopSports.news
EMPORIA -- The Topeka High Trojans dominated the Wichita South Titans through three quarters Saturday, but had to hang on over the final eight minutes to capture fifth place in the Glacier’s Edge Tournament in Emporia. The Trojans improved to 8-4 on the season with a 51-45 decision over the Titans.
Sophomore Ahsieyrhuajh Rayton scored 19 points to lead Topeka High in Saturday's 51-45 win over Wichita South. [File photo/TSN]
As you might expect from a game starting at 11 o'clock on a Saturday morning, both teams started slow and the first point was scored with 4:00 remaining in the first quarter on a free throw by Wichita South freshman Auhmari Gary. The Trojans responded and closed the quarter on an 11-6 run to lead 11-7.
As the second quarter began, the Trojans continued their defensive intensity and held the Titans to 2-19 shooting from the field for the entire half for 11 percent. The Trojans took a commanding lead to the half at 30-13, with sophomore Ahsieyrhuajh Rayton leading the way for the Trojans with 13 points in the first half and junior Keimara Marshall dropping in 9 points.
Both teams battled in the third quarter and Topeka High was able to extend its lead to 23 points, 46-23, heading into the final quarter. Once again, the Trojan defense stifled the Titan offense, holding them to 3-17 from the field for the quarter.
But the fourth quarter was totally different. Wichita South stormed back into the contest, outscoring Topeka High 22-5 over the final eight minutes. The Titans cut the lead to 8 points with two minutes remaining. Over the next minute, they were able to chip the lead down to five, 50-45. Rayton knocked down one of two from the free throw line to complete the scoring, 51-45.
The Lady Trojans were led by Rayton with 19 points and Marshall with 15. Senior Jo’Mhara Benning grabbed 12 rebounds, freshman Hailey Caryl had nine boards and Marshall hauled in seven.
The Titans were led by three players in double figures. Gary scored 12 points, senior Mahogany Butler dropped in 10 along with junior Valetina Hart.
Topeka High will be back in action on Tuesday night when they will host Centennial League foe Emporia.
TOPEKA HIGH GIRLS 51, WICHITA SOUTH 45
Wichita South 7 6 10 22 -- 45
Topeka High 11 19 16 5 -- 51
Wichita South (5-8) -- Brown 0-3 2-2 2, Gary 4-13 3-4 12, Butler 3-12 3-4 10, Hart 2-7 6-10 10, Chiles 2-12 0-0 6, Kennedy 1-3 1-2 3, Cathey 1-3 0-0 2. Totals 13-53 15-22 45.
Topeka High (8-4, 1-1) -- Short 0-1 1-4 1, Triplett 0-3 2-2 2, Conley 1-1 0-2 2, Marshall 4-13 6-6 15, Rayton 6-15 3-4 19, Gotru 0-0 0-0 0, Caryl 2-4 2-2 6, Benning 3-9 0-1 6. Totals 16-43 14-21 51.
3-point goals -- Wichita South 4 (Chiles 2, Gary, Butler), Topeka High 5 (Rayton 4, Marshall). Total Fouls -- Wichita South 21, Topeka High 18. Fouled out -- Chiles.
GLACIER’S EDGE TOURNAMENT
RESULTS SATURDAY
7th Place: Emporia 39, Wichita Northwest 25
5th Place: Topeka High 51, Wichita South 45
3rd Place: Wichita Heights 62, SM South 46
Championship: Seaman 63, Derby 50
