In a thrilling night of local sports, the Ste. Genevieve Dragons secured two hard-fought victories in boys basketball while the Knights of Farmington achieved a clean sweep in boys wrestling. The events unfolded on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in Ste. Genevieve, showcasing impressive performances from both teams.
Dragons Secure Overtime Win Over Saxony Lutheran
The Dragons emerged victorious with a tense 64-56 overtime win against Saxony Lutheran. Leading the charge was Jeffrey Hunter, who scored 16 points, igniting the team’s momentum during the extra period. Following Hunter’s turnaround jumper to start overtime, Dominic Johnson hit a crucial three-pointer, extending the lead to 59-54.
Johnson’s third-chance putback shifted the momentum further, as he also contributed significantly with 11 points. The game was tightly contested throughout, with the Crusaders’ James Hope netting four three-pointers for a game-high 17 points. Bryce Gaebler also made an impact, scoring 16 points for Saxony Lutheran, who entered halftime leading 28-25.
The Dragons struggled initially, trailing 42-39 at the end of the third quarter. However, they rallied in the fourth, with Hunter stealing the ball and scoring to regain a 45-42 advantage. The closing moments of regulation saw both teams exchanging leads and defenses, culminating in a 54-54 tie when Gaebler blocked a potential game-winning layup from Hunter.
Ste. Genevieve’s solid free-throw shooting (12-of-18) played a pivotal role, allowing them to maintain their composure in the clutch moments. The win improved the Dragons’ record to 3-1 this season.
Valle Catholic and Potosi Excel in Basketball and Wrestling
In another boys basketball match, Valle Catholic edged Perryville 47-40, led by Brody Bertrand who scored 17 points, including 12 before halftime. The Warriors had to overcome an early 12-8 deficit, eventually taking a 22-18 lead into the half. Perryville’s Josiah Paisley made a commendable effort with 11 points, but ultimately fell short, leaving them at 0-2 for the season.
Meanwhile, in girls basketball, Potosi triumphed over West County with a decisive 63-43 victory. Chloe Rowe was instrumental, scoring 21 points, including three three-pointers in the third quarter. Potosi’s strong start allowed them to build a comfortable lead, which they maintained throughout the game.
On the wrestling mats, the Farmington Knights showcased dominance, winning all three duals in their quad meet. Aiden Hahn and Zayden Davis both pinned their opponents twice, contributing to victories against Washington, Valle Catholic, and Poplar Bluff. The Knights defeated Washington 50-28, Valle Catholic 64-17, and Poplar Bluff 49-28, showcasing their strength across various weight classes.
Farmington’s success was further bolstered by Lane Weiss, who won twice via technical fall, and Tayven Walker, who secured two major decisions. This impressive showing places the Knights in a strong position as the wrestling season progresses.
The performances from both the Dragons and Knights highlight a promising start to the season across various sports, with teams showcasing skill, determination, and teamwork. As the season unfolds, local fans will be eager to see how these athletes continue to develop and compete.
