Michele Massari was visibly concerned about her players' mental makeup entering this week.

How, the Sacramento High School girls coach wondered, would her charges respond to three successive last-minute losses to heavyweights during holiday tournament play.

In a word: brilliantly.

Now there's a more pressing bit of anxiety for all who embrace Dragons purple: the knee of team leader Jasmine Ware, the superb senior guard headed to UC Santa Barbara via scholarship.

Showcasing muscle, skill, speed and defense, top-ranked Sacramento blasted No. 4 Florin 65-31 Tuesday night in a Metro Conference opener at Florin that was expected to be a great deal closer.

The Dragons led 18-0 after the first quarter, buckling the Panthers with a fullcourt press, traps and quickness. It was 29-5 at halftime as the Dragons remained unbeaten against regional foes, including a 10-point win over No. 2 Pleasant Grove.

"I was worried about our girls," Massari said. "I wondered if we had that killer instinct after we lost so many close games, but we were great. But I can't stop worrying about Jasmine. She's not just a great player and a great kid. She's like family."

The entire gym gasped when Ware crumpled to the floor, writhing in pain as she clutched her right knee, after her layup made it 31-5 with 5:30 to go in the third quarter. She lay there for several moments and had to be carried off the court by Dragons strength and conditioning coach Alex Van Dyke.

Later, Ware said, "I think I'll be OK, but it's scary," admitting knee ligaments can be tricky.

Ware had 13 points and Brianna Womack 15 for Sacramento. Daijah Joe-Smith led Florin with 12 points.

As the teams shook hands afterward, coaches from both sides barked at each other. Sacramento coaches and other witnesses said a Florin player slapped a Dragons player's handshake away and cursed. Order was restored, and security quickly cleared the gym.

Florin coach Larry Price, visibly shaken by the loss and the exchange of words, said he needed time to compose himself before commenting. He has masterfully rebuilt the Panthers into a factor again with an 11-3 start this season after a 3-45 run from 2007 to 2009.

Said Massari as she prepared to board the team bus, "I know there are hard fouls, and it happens, but when it's not respectful after a game, that's not good."

Sacramento is 7-6, having endured the most daunting schedule of any regional team. Five of those losses have been to defending state champions, and none was a blowout.

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