Last season, the Helias Lady Crusaders used the Jefferson Bank Holiday Hoops Classic as a springboard to the Class 4 Final Four. This season, the Lady Crusaders are looking to use the Classic as a chance to continue a great start.
The Helias Lady Crusaders knocked off a perennial power Saturday afternoon. Mikah Edwards was fouled shooting a 3-pointer with :01.7 remaining in overtime. The Helias senior made all three free throws to rally the Lady Crusaders to a 63-62 win against Bishop Miege (Kan.) in the Twelve Courts of Christmas at Hy-Vee Arena.
The Helias Lady Crusaders never quit. Top-seeded Helias rebounded from a seven-minute stretch without a field goal with an 11-3 run late in the fourth quarter to come back for a 57-53 win against the third-seeded Fatima Lady Comets in the championship of the Comet Classic.
The Helias Lady Crusaders and the Blair Oaks Lady Falcons both take pride in their defense on the basketball court. On Tuesday night, Helias forced a handful more turnovers and committed fewer fouls, which added up to a victory in its season opener. “The energy was there,” Helias coach Garrett Wiggans said following a 62-43 win against Blair Oaks. “We caused several turnovers that led to points, which is what we want to do.”