Dragons’ Long Season Ends
Ste. Genevieve’s Alli Byington comes up with a steal and takes off for a successful layup as teammates Kayden Huck (left) and Chloe Staffen (33) along with Potosi’s Kya Gibson pursue Saturday during the district opener. (PHOTO BY MICHAEL BOYD JR./Herald staff)
By michael boyd jr.
mboydjr@stegenherald.com
A rough performance from the free-throw line Saturday afternoon spoiled the host Ste. Genevieve Dragons’ upset bid of second-seeded Potosi during the opening round of the seven-team MSHSAA Class 4 District 2 girls’ basketball tournament.
Therefore, the seventh-seeded Dragons saw their season come to an end with a 52-39 loss to the Trojans at the Peggy J. Johnson Gymnasium. They previously held an 11-4 advantage just minutes into the second quarter, as well as a 20-19 lead at halftime.
But Ste. Geneveive (5-19) was only 10 for 22 from the foul line overall, and could not capitalize on Potosi’s own free-throw troubles (15 for 23).
The Trojans (16-9) later managed to take a 34-30 lead heading into the final quarter and used an 18-9 run down the stretch to thwart the Dragons, who finished the season losing two straight games after winning three in a row.
Alli Byington led Ste. Genevieve with 15 points, while Kaden Huck and Kylee Clayton scored 6 points apiece.
Potosi senior Kiersten Blair scored a game-high 16 points, going 8 for 10 from the foul line. Carley Hampton had 14 points and Kya Gibson added 10 points.
The Trojans, who have won four straight and six of their last eight games, advanced to the district semifinals to face third-seed Fredericktown Blackcats today (March 1).