Jefferson dressed eight players for its girls basketball game Monday night at Xavier. The No. 5 Saints rotated 10 to 12 players on a regular basis.

But that wasn't the only big difference between the two teams.

The final score was a huge difference, too. The Saints dominated the J-Hawks, 67-30, at Xavier.

Jefferson (7-11, 2-11) has lost three starters with injuries for the rest of the season.

“It’s really disappointing for (Jefferson Coach Larry) Niemeyer and Jefferson to have to deal with so many injuries,” Xavier Coach Tom Lilly said. “I thought they could have been real tough this year.”

While the J-Hawks try to find their way, Xavier (13-5, 8-5) is rounding into form for a postseason run.

“Everyone has an opportunity,” junior Kayla Armstrong said about the team’s depth. “It was a good team victory.”

The big damage came early. The Saints jumped all over the J-Hawks, starting the game on a 10-0 run and finishing the first quarter with a 17-2 lead.

Armstrong jump started the Saints with 10 of her team-high 18 points in the first quarter. Six of her points came off steals that lead to easy baskets.

“Kayla anticipates well,” Lilly said. “She did a great job getting us off to a good start.”

“It is always good to come out strong and start good,” Armstrong added.

Xavier's inside came was slowed by hard-nosed interior defense by Jefferson junior Maddie Koolbeck.

The Saints eventually wore out Koolbeck as her help defense lacked and Xaiver sent multiple 6-footers at her in the middle.

“Maddie played really well at both ends of the floor,” Niemeyer said. “We didn’t give her much weakside help.”

Jefferson struggled against the stiff Saints defense, going just 5 of 17 in the first half. They trailed 32-11 at the break.

The Saints came out scorching hot in the third quarter, missing just one shot and piling on 23 points to bury the J-Hawks.

“We moved the ball around well and found opportunities to get shots from where they practice at,” Lilly said. “When you can do that it really helps.”

With three of her fellow starters out, all of which averaged double figures, Koolbeck put the offense on her shoulders, scoring 18 of her game-high 22.

“Maddie has really stepped up with three starters out. She plays hard,” Niemeyer said. “She shows lots of heart.”

Niemeyer could not say enough about Koolbeck’s efforts.

“She really came to play tonight,” Niemeyer said.

The Saints played everyone in the final quarter en route to a convincing victory.

Koolbeck hit from outside and got to the basket to score 10 of the J-Hawks 11 in the 4th quarter.

“She put it on the ground and went by us and she hit outside shots,” Lilly said on Koolbeck’s performance. “She really displayed an all-around game."

Senior posts Alex Bartz and Emily Walvoord added six points apiece for the Saints.

“They doubled our posts,” Armstrong said of her big night. “It was our turn to step up.”

Xavier hosts Linn-Mar on Friday while the J-Hawks host to top-ranked Iowa City West Friday night.

In the sophomore game the Saints made quick work of the J-Hawks with a 65-26 win.

JEFFERSON (30): Alleigha Church-Green 0 0-0 0, Maddy Blietz 1 0-0 2, Dani Stromert 2 0-1 5, Maddie Koolbeck 8 6-9 22, Kieley Brathwaite 0 0-0 0, Kylie Jonas 0 0-1 1, Hannah Towns 0 0-0 0, Molly Evans 0 0-0 0. Team 11 7-12 30.

XAVIER (67): Kayla Armstrong 6 5-6 18, Annie Dale 1 0-0 2, Katlyn Anderson 2 0-0 5, Emily Walvoord 3 0-0 6, Alex Bartz 3 0-0 6, Nicole Noonan 1 1-2 3, Ashley Stulken 3 0-0 6, Sarah Dickes 1 0-0 2, Lisa Boomgarden 2 1-1 5, Katelyn Winker 1 0-0 3, Maddie Bertsch 2 2-2 4, Hayley Deutmeyer 1 0-0 3, Hannah Chute 0 0-0 0, Allison Chorzempa 1 0-0 2, Lizzy Bailey 0 0-0 0, Morgan Breitbach 1 0-0 2. Team 28 9-11 67.

Halftime – Jefferson 30 Xavier 67. 3 point goals – Jefferson 0, Xavier 4 (Armstrong, Anderson, Winker, Deutmeyer). Total Fouls – Jefferson 14, Xavier 16.