Lady Cats roll Tonganoxie to record third straight win

Louisburg senior Delanie Tally scored a team-high 14 points Tuesday at home against Tonganoxie. The Lady Cats cruised to a 54-32 win.

From the opening tip, it was clear it was going to be Louisburg’s night.

The Lady Cats scored the game’s first 14 points and held Tongnaoxie scoreless in the first quarter, en route to a 54-32 victory. It was the Lady Cats’ third straight win.

“Tuesday was a great win for our team,” Louisburg coach Adrianne Lane said. “All the girls got to play and contribute to this victory. Our defense was good and we got to work on a couple different defenses, which is always helpful this deep into the season.”

Louisburg, which improved its record to 11-5 on the season and is currently ranked No. 9 in Class 4A, didn’t waste any time to get going against the Chieftains.

Senior Adyson Ross opened the game with back-to-back baskets and then senior Delanie Tally recorded a steal and a 3-pointer. Ross added another score and Tally recorded another 3-pointer to put the Lady Cats up 12. 

Louisburg senior Ava Baker knocked down a pair of free throws to give the Lady Cats a 14-0 lead over Tonganoxie after one quarter. It was all Louisburg the rest of the way as it led 27-7 at halftime.

Tally led Louisburg in scoring with 14 points, including four 3-pointers. Ross nearly had a double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds, while Baker was also in double figures with 12 points and seven boards.

The Lady Cats were strong on the defensive end as they held Tonganoxie to 26 percent shooting and forced 13 turnovers. Tally was active all night with five steals and junior Ashley Branine had four to go along with eight points and six rebounds.

Lane also got the chance to empty her bench in the fourth quarter. Sophomore Ashlyn Kuhlman scored her first varsity basket.

“It is always a lot of fun when all the girls get to play,” Lane said. “The sophomores work so hard every day in practice and when they get to contribute on the varsity team it makes for a happy locker room after the game. The upperclassmen are always encouraging and excited for them.”

Louisburg will go up against one of the Frontier League’s top teams on Friday as the Lady Cats travel to Spring Hill. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. 

The Broncos handed the Lady Cats one of their five losses on the year and Lane knows it will be a challenge on the road.

“Friday will be a tough game for us and we will have to start hard and battle the entire game,” Lane said. “I am excited to play Spring Hill again. I think this game will give us an idea of where we are currently as a team and will also help us see things we need to work on before the postseason. 

“Defense and communication are going to be key for this game. We will also work on getting to the basket, knowing when we are open, and finishing in the lane with tough defense on us.”

LOU 14 13 17 10 — 54

TON 0 7 9 16 — 32

LOUISBURG (11-5): Delanie Tally 5-9 0-0 14; Adyson Ross 6-13 0-1 12; Ava Baker 4-7 2-2 12; Ashley Branine 4-8 0-0 8; Brianne Kuhlman 1-7 0-1 2; Emma Prettyman 1-2 0-0 2; Ashlyn Kuhlman 1-4 0-0 2; Sami Lane 1-1 0-0 2. Totals: 23-59 2-4 54. 3-point field goals: 6, (Tally 4, Baker 2)

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