The Lions lead the Blue Valley Northwest Huskies 36-29 at the end of the first half of the 6A state consolation game in Wichita.

Patience was the key for the Lions in the beginning of the game, seeking to slow down the pace from the high-scoring game of yesterday, and patience is what the Lions got. In fact, they got an additional start to the game after the game clock wouldn’t start in the beginning of the game.

After the officials restarted the game, the Lions got back into their game, working the ball around on their first possession, ending with an open layup from senior Price Morgan.

When the Lions felt they had their bearings, they settled in and took shots–and made shots–outside the paint.

The Lions, led by guards Justin Roberts and Jackson Mallory with four each, exploded from downtown, making an astounding 9 of their 15 three point shots.

The Lions stormed out to a 20-15 first quarter lead.

Justin Roberts started it off early, chasing away the poor 5-19 shooting record he had last night, and proved why he has been a four year starter for the Lions hitting three three-point field goals in a row in a span of two minutes in the first quarter, and finding fellow senior Anthony Harvey Jr. who connected on another deep shot.

With furious full court press, the BVNW Huskies turned the Lions over seven times in the half, gathering six of their points of them, but the Lions capitalized also from the press, scoring numerous baskets in transitions, including a huge two handed slam from senior Fred Brou with four minutes left to play in the first.  

The Lions paced the first half from the outside, but the Huskies worked their way inside– scoring all 12 of their field goals inside the three point arc. The Lions proved polar opposites, scoring 27 of their 36 points from deep.

The second quarter saw the Huskies come out quickly, connecting on two quick lay ups early on bringing it within a one point game, but junior Jackson Mallory answered back, connecting on four consecutive three pointers to surge the Lions advantage back out to 33-27 with two minutes left to play in the half.

In the final minute the Lions finished their hot outside shooting with a fourth Roberts three of the half, pulling the Lions out to a 36-29 lead.