BY MIKE MARZOLF

Special to the Tribune

IOLA – The break proved to be very good to the Barton women’s basketball team. After dropping its first three games to start the Jayhawk Conference season prior to the Christmas break, the Cougars came out of the break with their first conference win of the season.

Barton was in control much of the second half as the Cougars won on the road, 78-67 over Allen County. The win put the Cougars 1-3 in the Jayhawk and 9-6 overall. Allen in now 4-11 overall and 0-5 in the conference.

After a slow start, Barton took the lead by half and took control of the game in the third period. Barton trailed after one quarter of play, 17-14. The Cougars overtook the Red Devils with a 6-0 run in the second quarter for a 20-19 advantage as Dominique Baker scored eight second quarter points. By half the Cougars had pushed the lead to 29-24. 

Barton took command late in the third. Kilee Harris knocked down three 3-pointers in the third and keyed a 22-8 run the final six minutes of the third to take a 58-43 lead into the final period of play.

Barton kept that lead above a dozen the rest of the way until a late run by Allen to end the game cut the margin to the final 11 points. 

Baker had her best game of the season as the sophomore guard scored a career-high 22 points. Regan Unruh scored 15 and Harris ended with 14. Megan Jirak continued her solid play with 12 points.

Barton gets a chance to gain some traction in the league race its next couple of games as well. Independence will bring a 2-3 conference record to the Barton Gym tomorrow of Jayhawk action. The Pirates are 11-4 overall. That game will tip at 5:30 p.m.

Barton then heads to the road against Saturday for a 2 p.m. tip at Neosho County in Chanute. The Panthers are 1-4 in the Jayhawk and 7-6 overall.