Lions to face Manhattan at state basketball tournament

In the past two years, the Lions have finished second and third place at the state tournament in Wichita. They are heading to state this week to compete for a title once again.

This year, the Lions are the seventh seed in the state. Last year, they were the no. 1 overall seed.

Even though the team is a lower seed this year, they are still dangerous. The Lions beat no. 3 seed Olathe Northwest on Feb. 10 and no. 4 seed Free state twice on Dec. 16 and Feb. 24.

LHS beat Shawnee Mission Northwest in the first round of substate 62-52 on Mar. 1. In the second round of the playoffs, they beat Shawnee Mission East 59-54 on Mar. 3.

After winning the past three games, the Lions look to continue their hot play and impressive offensive performances in the first round of state against a very good Manhattan team (18-4).

The team will look to their seniors, especially center Kobe Buffalomeat, who averaged 16 points per game in the last three games, as a presence near the basket. The team must also look to battle through adversity within the game, which they have done time and again this year.

The Lions will play in the first round of the tournament at 3 p.m. on Wednesday at Charles Koch Arena in Wichita.