West Platte closed its trip to the Lawson Invitational with back-to-back losses.
Playing for third place on Friday, Jan. 13, the Bluejays fell behind early and lost 47-32 to the hosts in Lawson, Mo. Lawson shot 29 total free throws and took advantage of the huge disparity in attempts at the line.
West Platte only shot 13 free throws, and Nealie Niemeier led the inconsistent offense with 10 points.
Lawson led 14-5 aft the first quarter and outscored the Bluejays in all four quarters. Niemeier, Rachel Heili and Lea Moose hit one 3-pointer apiece, three of only 10 total field goals for the Bluejays.
West Platte dropped to 7-5 overall entering a Friday, Jan. 20 matchup with Lathrop in KCI Conference play. The Bluejays are 1-1 in league with a win over North Platte and a loss to Plattsburg.
Hamilton 53, West Platte 38
The Hornets pulled away, outscoring West Platte 19-7 in the second quarter and held on from there in a semifinal Thursday, Jan. 12 in Lawson, Mo.
Hamilton went to a pressure defense late in the first quarter to jumpstart the offense. Niemeier (14 points) and Heili (eight points) led the way for the Bluejays in the loss.
Gallatin 56, North Platte 27
The Panthers continued to struggle on offense in a consolation semifinal loss Wednesday, Jan. 11 in Lawson, Mo.
North Platte managed only 12 field goals and attempted just four free throws. Gallatin led 32-15 at halftime, and outscored the Panthers in all four quarters. Alley Rickel hit a pair of 3s and finished with a team-high eight points in the loss.
Eight players scored for Gallatin, all between four and 10 points.
North Platte has lost four straight and sits at 3-8 overall entering a Wednesday, Jan. 18 matchup with Northland Christian. The Panthers return to KCI play on Friday, Jan. 20 at Hamilton.