John Stark girls basketball coach Wayne Thomson said he preaches defense, turnovers and foul shooting.

“Come tournament time, that’s what’s important,” he said following a 46-41 victory against Bow on Feb. 2.

On Sunday, Feb. 17, against fourth-seeded Souhegan High School of Amherst, the No. 5 Lady Generals nailed one of their coaches’ criteria for playoff success.

Playing solid defense throughout the contest, John Stark kept the game within reach against a potent Sabers offense, pulling within three points at the end of the third quarter.

But unforced turnovers and poor free throw shooting – Stark began the game 0-for-5 from the strip and went 1-for-6 in the first half – eventually doomed the locals to a 46-41 loss and postseason exit.

“We were all just a little slow today; I thought everybody was a step behind pretty much the whole game,” said Thomson. “In close games like that, between evenly matched teams, it’s those little things that make the difference.”

Freshman Katie Cullerot, who led the late-third-quarter charge, dropped in a game-high 13 points, pulled in four rebounds and nabbed two steals, while teammate Erin Clark added 11 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Brittany Purington contributed nine rebounds, eight points, two assists and two steals, and Elyssa Feliciano offered seven points, three steals, two assists and a rebound.

Prior to the Lady Generals’ quarterfinal-round loss, they opened the playoffs at home with a 55-40 victory over No. 12 Laconia.

Thomson said the two games of tournament experience will prove advantageous for the program’s future.

“I’m disappointed for the seniors, but I’m happy for the younger kids,” said Thomson.

“Nothing came easy this year. We had to work hard for everything we got. The last four games leading up to today, we played very well. Today, for whatever reason, we didn’t play good enough to win.”