The Jefferson City Lady Jays return a loaded roster for the 2018-19, so the first three weeks of practice have been rather competitive.
Lady Jays coach Brad Conway was happy to see his team face somebody else for a change Thursday night at the Helias Jamboree.
"It's nice to go out against somebody else other than ourselves," Conway said after Jefferson City won 32-17 against Helias and 32-19 against Blair Oaks. "For the most part, our energy was good. Defensively, I thought they did a pretty good job."
Jefferson City got out to quick starts in both scrimmages, which consisted of three six-minute periods at the Helias Auxiliary Gym.
The Lady Jays scored 12 unanswered points in the first period against Helias and led 14-5 after six minutes. In their next matchup against the Lady Falcons, Jefferson City scored seven points in the first minute of action.
"As we make substitutions, those substitutes have got to come in and maintain that energy and maintain that intensity," Conway said. "I thought we had a good look at some of our bench kids, the kids who are ready and the kids who are going to understand what we're trying to do at the varsity level."
The Lady Jays led 30-9 after two periods against Helias and never trailed against Blair Oaks.
The scoring was spread out in both games. Jefferson City had 10 different players score against the Lady Falcons.
"Everybody that played tonight contributed in some manner," Conway said.
Kara Daly led the Lady Jays with seven points in each scrimmage. Hannah Nilges added six points against Helias.
Jefferson City used its height to easily win the battle on the boards. Daly had seven total rebounds and Sarah Linthacum grabbed six, including five against Blair Oaks.
"Tonight was a good indicator of what the kids are going to be able to contribute, what their roles are going to be," Conway said.
Health has been a factor for the Lady Jays the past few seasons, but Conway said his team was at full strength Thursday.
"The main thing was to get out of here without any injuries," Conway said. "Knock on wood right now, we're healthy. We're just getting our legs under us."
Jefferson City opens the season Tuesday against Francis Howell at Fleming Fieldhouse.