Maddy Larkin News Today

It’s an experienced group of Helias Lady Crusaders. And they are going to try to use that experience to their advantage. “We are adding new stuff, bringing back some old stuff,” Helias coach Garrett Wiggans said as the Lady Crusaders prepare for tonight’s season opener against the Blair Oaks Lady Falcons at Rackers Fieldhouse. “We are evolving our game.”

Wreath-laying ceremony Friday at veterans memorial in Newtown

Helias opened fast and never looked back. The Lady Crusaders scored the first 10 points Wednesday night on their way to an eventual 56-31 win against the Capital City Lady Cavaliers during Central Missouri Activities Conference action at Capital City High School.

Good defense leads to good offense. That was the motto for the Helias Lady Crusaders as they held the Ozark Lady Tigers to 45 points and shot 55 percent from the field to run away with a 63-45 victory Saturday in the Central Bank Shootout at Rackers Fieldhouse.

The Helias Lady Crusaders got the shot they wanted, it just didn’t fall. The Lady Crusaders had a potential tying 3-pointer rattle off the rim at the buzzer Wednesday night as Helias dropped a 56-53 decision to the Lutheran: St. Charles Cougars in a meeting of Class 5 ranked teams at Rackers Fieldhouse.

The Helias Lady Crusaders are coming off a Class 4 Final Four appearance. Bumped up to Class 5, they are looking for a similar finish to this season. “I hesitate to call it pressure, it’s more our expectation,” Helias coach Garrett Wiggans said as the Lady Crusaders prepared for tonight’s season opener against Blair Oaks in Wardsville. “If you go around to any high school or any athlete, you’re going to hear Final Four or a state championship as their ultimate goal."