Defense has been the name of the game recently in practice for the Jefferson City Lady Jays.
That work was on display Friday night in the preseason Jamboree at Helias.
"We felt as a staff, that's something we needed to shore up," Jefferson City coach Brad Conway said. "With our schedule, we have to do a good job on the defensive end."
Jefferson City allowed a total of 23 points in its two scrimmages, topping Blair Oaks 20-13 before besting Fatima 25-10.
"We didn't shoot the ball very well, but we played some good defense and that's what we've been emphasizing," Conway said. "We executed well on the offensive end, we just didn't make shots. I'm not worried about our offense. We just need some reps and those shots will start falling."
Jefferson City opened against Blair Oaks and the Lady Jays trailed 9-7 after the first of the two eight-minute quarters before rallying for the victory.
Caitlin Anderson paced the Lady Jays with nine points.
"It was good to play somebody different, we've been going against ourselves for three weeks now and we needed to see something different," Conway said.
Jefferson City jumped out to an 11-4 lead after one quarter against Fatima and led by as many 14 points in the second.
Caitlin Anderson led Jefferson City with eight points and seven rebounds. Marshi Baird added six points off the bench.
Jefferson City finished with a 25-16 edge on the boards.
"We did a good job rebounding," Conway said.
The Lady Jays have been battling injuries through the preseason, with four players missing extended time.
"We may get some kids back in a week or so, for some, it may be Christmas before they get back," Conway said. "But the other girls need to realize this is their opportunity to show what they can do and what they need to improve on.
"We've got five more practices to clean some things up. We're trying to find some chemistry right now. It's a process."
And part of that process was getting through Friday night healthy.
"Nobody got hurt, that was the big key," Conway said. "Now it's just a matter of cleaning up a couple of things and we'll be ready to go."
Jefferson City will open the season next Saturday against Republic in the St. James Shootout. The game is scheduled for a 12:30 p.m. start.