The Helias Lady Crusaders ended last basketball season with 10 wins.
They already have 10 this season. And it sure doesn't look like they're done adding to that total as the Lady Crusaders reached double-digits in victories with a 66-40 win Monday night against the Southern Boone Lady Eagles at Rackers Fieldhouse.
"We've really been playing well since the Sullivan Tournament (in mid-December)," Helias coach Alan Lepper said.
The Lady Crusaders have been solid on the defensive end since the start of the season. It's been an improved offense that has led to the recent strong play.
"Our defense kept us in some games early and now with our offense making progress, that's how you string together some wins," Lepper said.
Helias made a few adjustments when it has the ball and those changes have paid off in points.
"We've been a read-and-react team, but we've changed things a little bit," Lepper said. "We're calling a few more plays, plus we're getting up and down the floor better and I think that's good for us with the athletic players we have on the floor."
Putting that athleticism to good and productive use was the goal Monday night.
"We had the plan of pushing the ball up the floor and get to the rim as much as possible," Lepper said. "We have to play to our strength."
Helias trailed early before a four-point trip down the floor gave the Lady Crusaders the lead for good. Ellie Rockers hit the first of two free throws before Erin Wyrick's putback and ensuing free throw made it 8-6 with 3:37 to go in the first quarter.
The Lady Crusaders led 20-11 after one quarter and 38-16 at the half. It was 50-25 in favor of Helias going into the fourth quarter.
The Helias reserves saw a lot of time in the final quarter.
"We got some good minutes from kids off the bench," Lepper said. "We're seeing things that we can build on. We're starting to settle into our rotation."
Rockers finished with 16 points to pace Helias, while Wyrick added 13 points to go along with a game-high eight rebounds.
Gabbie Bruce came off the bench to score 13 points for Southern Boone (3-10).
Helias (10-7) is off until next Monday when the Lady Crusaders take on the Jefferson City Lady Jays at Fleming Fieldhouse.
"I would have liked to have had a game later this week, but the kids' legs are a little tired after playing last week in the California Tournament," Lepper said. "We're going to work hard later this week, so hopefully we can stay sharp."
Helias finished third in the California Tournament, with Rockers and Wyrick making the all-tournament team.
Action will begin Monday with the freshman game at 4:30 p.m. The JV will follow around 5:45, with the varsity to start 7:15 p.m.
In Monday night's JV game, Helias defeated Southern Boone 33-30. Emily Harrison led a balanced Lady Crusader attack with six points.
Action began Monday with a freshman game, won by Helias by the score of 53-37. Lyndsey Byers finished with 14 points for the Lady Crusaders, while Jordan Benward and Kylie Bernskoetter chipped in with 11 points each.