The Sabetha Lady Jays took another step forward Friday night, Feb. 6, battling a talented Rossville Lady Bulldogs team on the road while showcasing improved execution, toughness and togetherness despite a 60-37 final.

Junior Paxton Michael opened the game with a perfectly-timed feed into the paint, finding senior Chloe Detweiler for an eight-foot jumper to put the Lady Jays up, 2-0. Rossville answered with physical, high-pressure man-to-man defense, rolling off a 12-0 run and forcing turnovers to close out the first quarter.

Senior Kiera Keim broke the scoring drought with a tough finish through traffic, and Sabetha’s execution on inbounds plays stood out all night. Junior Sidney Schubarth was the beneficiary of multiple well-designed sets, finishing strong off the glass. Detweiler and junior Sophia Haverkamp added points at the free-throw line, but Rossville’s strength on the boards led to second-chance opportunities, pushing the Bulldogs ahead 27-12 at the break.

Sabetha came out of halftime with energy and purpose. The Lady Jays found their offensive rhythm in the third quarter, highlighted by crisp ball movement and strong post play. A textbook high-low connection from Schubarth to Detweiler resulted in an easy bucket, while Keim again delivered a pinpoint inbounds pass to Detweiler for another score. Moments later, Schubarth finished yet another inbounds opportunity.

The defensive hustle showed up as well. Haverkamp jumped a passing lane and tipped the ball to Drahota, who raced the other way for a fast-break layup. On the next possession, Haverkamp found Michael spotting up, and the junior knocked down Sabetha’s first three-pointer of the night. Rossville responded with a barrage from deep, however, knocking down three after three to take a 44-26 lead into the fourth.

Even with the Bulldogs extending the lead, the Lady Jays never backed down. Michael continued to attack, drilling two deep three-pointers in the final quarter and adding a steal-and-score on the break. Schubarth battled inside for a strong post bucket and a free throw as Sabetha competed until the final horn.

Detweiler led Sabetha with a complete performance, turning in her best game of the season with 10 points and five rebounds while setting the tone with effort and physicality.

“I knew we had to come out strong and aggressive no matter what the score was,” Detweiler said. “Once I committed to that mindset, I started seeing good things happen.”

Michael finished with 11 points, and 8 points coming in the final quarter.

Head Coach Rachelle Wertenberger emphasized the bigger picture following the game.

“Overall, I’m very pleased with how the girls continue to show up and work toward our goals,” she said. “We’re building something and laying a strong foundation for the future.”

The Lady Jays returned home on Tuesday, Feb. 10, against Jeff West. These results were not available at The Herald’s press time. Sabetha will welcome the Perry-Lecompton Kaws to town on Friday, Feb. 13.