From the time she steps off the bus today in Rolla, the Helias Lady Crusaders will have an eye on Owensville's Hailey Diestelkamp.
"Everything goes through her hands, she has touches on all of their successful plays," Helias coach Sarah Eagan said as the Lady Crusaders (16-11) prepare to take on the Dutchgirls (22-5) in a Class 4 sectional contest at Missouri S&T (6 p.m. tip).
"We have to know where she is all the time, to try and limit her touches."
That may be easier said than done against Diestelkamp, named the Four Rivers Conference player of the year last week. The senior leads the Dutchgirls in scoring (23.8), rebounding (7.7) and steals (4.1), and is third in assists (2.1).
Diestelkamp doesn't do all of her work around the basket. She is 41-of-78 on 3-pointers (53 percent).
The Dutchgirls, who are averaging 57.5 points per contest, will face a Lady Crusader defense that's giving up an average of 45 points per game.
"Defensively, I think we are a very good team," Eagan said. "It's a group that has worked as hard at it as anyone I've ever played with or coached."
Mai Nienhueser leads Helias in scoring (13.8) and rebounding (7.5). Luci Francka is next in scoring (8.7), while topping the team in assists with 37.
"I can tell our girls are really, really focused," said Eagan, in her first year at Helias. "The past couple days, it's been really apparent how much they want this. I haven't seen them want something so much this season.
"It's a group of hard workers."
Owensville has won 14 of its last 15 games, including nine straight.
"They've had some really good wins," Eagan said.
Helias and Owensville have a handful of common opponents - Jefferson City, Fatima, Sullivan and Union. Owensville was 4-1 against the foursome, while Helias was 3-1.
"I think it will be a really good game," Eagan said. "All the support we've gotten has been incredible. With the boys playing after we do, it should be a great atmosphere."
The Helias-Owensville winner advances to Saturday afternoon's quarterfinal in Bolivar against either Hillcrest or Carl Junction.