Manhattan High girls basketball fell just short in the MHS Homecoming game against reigning state champion Washburn Rural on Friday night. 

The Lady Indians forced 13 turnovers in the first half and secured a two-point lead heading into halftime, but couldn’t hold on despite senior Avery Larson’s game-high 25 points and new school record of seven 3-pointers. Larson credits the close game to a strong defensive showing.

“We say all the time that it just starts with a stop,” Larson said. “I think a mindset switch that we’ve had as a team the past four or five days has been really focusing on gaining energy off of defense.” 

MHS next faced Hayden at home on Feb. 21 for Senior Night, the last regular season matchup for the 2022-23 squad. 

“I think it would be a big win considering the fact that we’ve had two close games this week and Hayden would be a great win to go into sub-state,” said junior Maxine Doerring, who put up 15 points in a win against Junction City on Feb. 10. 

The girls will then set their sights on Sub-state success. Head Coach Scott Mall feels confident in his team heading into the homestretch of the season. 

“We are just right there on the edge,” Mall said. “We know a tough schedule has hardened us and we have our full roster now, so I think we’re ready to go.”