The Chieftains only led 16-14 at the half before exploding in the third.

“We didn’t play real well in the first half,” THS coach Randy Kraft said.

Tonganoxie (8-11 overall, 5-8 Kaw Valley League) found consistency on the defensive end of the floor throughout the road win, but Kraft said his team picked up its intensity on offense in the second half, when the Chieftains did most of their scoring.

“We moved the ball better and did a better job of executing our offense,” the coach said.

Amanda Holroyd, who hit a couple of 3-pointers and got some steals for layups, led THS with 13 points against Piper (5-13, 2-10).

Haley Smith scored 10 by hitting mid-range jumpers and converting four free throws.

At 6 p.m. on Friday, Tonganoxie closes its regular season by playing host to Turner.

Score by quarters

THS 8 8 20 12 — 48

PHS 6 8 4 7 — 25

Tonganoxie scoring

Haley Smith 10, Jenny Whitledge 4, Amanda Holroyd 13, Hannah Kemp 5, Danielle Miller 4, Tavia Brown 2, Madee Walker 2, Emma Stilgenbauer 6, Tayler Miles 2.