For the first time in Jayhawk Conference play, the Barton women’s basketball team is on a winning streak.
Barton made it two straight with a 76-55 win over Colby at the Community Building Wednesday night. Barton led from the outset to improve to 6-10 in the Jayhawk and 14-13 overall. Colby is still winless in the conference at 0-14 and are 4-22 overall.
The Cougars are currently sitting 10th in the conference, just one loss behind Dodge City in the standings. Barton will more than likely not be able to climb into the top eight and grab a home playoff game to start the Region VI tournament.
Barton still has three games left – at Seward County, home against Cloud County then at Jayhawk leading Hutchinson. The Cougars are probably looking at an opening round game at Butler County, Cloud County, or Independence.
Barton jumped to a 12-3 lead midway through the opening quarter as the pressure defense gave Colby issues. The Cougars, however, went cold after that and Colby rallied to tie it at 12-all after the first 10 minutes.
The Cougars immediately opened the second quarter on a 7-0 run and never lost the lead the rest of the way. Barton put up 25 points in the quarter and led by 13 at half, 37-24.
Barton continued to pull away from Colby with seven straight to start the third period as well. The Cougars pushed the lead over the 20-point plateau midway through the period.
By the start of the final period, Barton led 61-36 and backed off the press. The lead grew to as many as 28 in the final period before Colby cut it back to the final margin.
Jalisa Jones continued her improved play of late matching a career-high 21 points. It was the third straight game in double figures after hitting that mark just three times in the previous eight games. It was the 17th time this season she has scored 10 or more. Jones also led Barton with seven steals.
Megan Jirak posted her ninth double-double of the season with 19 points and 11 rebounds. It was her first double-double since Jan. 20. Dominique Baker added 16 to reach double figures for the ninth time in the last 10 games.
Barton will have its hands full in an effort to make it three straight with another road trip Saturday. This time to the southwest corner of the state in Liberal to take on Seward County.
Seward is currently fifth in the Jayhawk at 9-5 and 17-7 overall. The Saints are coming off a 68-63 win over Hutchinson at the Green House Wednesday night. Seward has not won back-to-back games in a month but is 12-1 at the Green House this year.