Dragons handle Potosi again

Matti Helms provided 14 points with seven rebounds as Ste. Genevieve (11-5, 2-2) topped Potosi (8-9, 1-3) for the second time this season.

Ste. Genevieve created separation by generating a 23-8 run spanning the third quarter. Helms drained her fourth 3-pointer on the opening possession, and Reynolds netted her first less than a minute later for a 39-22 lead.

The Dragons pushed hard in transition to increase the lead, and Potosi starting guard Mackenzie Adams fouled out with 2:25 to play in the third period by bumping Jennifer Humbolt to prevent an easy basket.

Humbolt sank both resulting free throws for a 48-24 advantage, and tallied seven points with eight rebounds overall.

Sydney Bumgardaner provided eight straight points during the final two minutes of the third quarter, including a pair of threes for a 56-28 edge.

Sophomore Jayleen Like scored a game-high 27 points with 12 rebounds and three steals for Potosi. She sparked an energetic fourth quarter by dropping in three shots from beyond the arc plus a 3-point play – all within the first three minutes – before Ste. Genevieve called timeout.

Reynolds stemmed the electric start, and made the score 69-42 by sinking her second 3-pointer from straight away directly out of the break.

The Lady Trojans applied effective full-court pressure, and ran well in transition to slowly narrow the margin down the stretch. However, the Dragons managed the clock to maintain a comfortable late lead.

Potosi drew within 65-50 with 2:30 to play, but Ste. Genevieve often visited the line to seal the win. The Dragons made 14-of-23 free throws compared to 7-of-9 by the Lady Trojans.

Olivia Coleman added 11 points, and Potosi teammate Cameryn Yount ended with nine after sinking her lone 3-pointer with 3 seconds remaining.

Potosi gained an early advantage behind seven straight points from Like to begin the game. She then assisted Coleman on a fast-break layup for a 9-5 advantage midway through the first quarter.

Helms answered with three consecutive perimeter shots as the Dragons closed the first period on an 11-0 spurt to lead 19-11.

Reed and Reynolds combined to score 12 of 14 Ste. Genevieve points during the second quarter on a combination of layups and free throws.

Ste. Genevieve protected the basket to keep a 33-20 edge at halftime. Reed gathered 12 rebounds by that stage, and also supplied two blocks.

Both teams will close the conference regular season Monday. Ste. Genevieve travels to North County while Potosi meets Central.