C5D1 GBK: Defense sparks Sikeston’s win over Windsor

HILLSBORO, Mo. — Wham! Bam! Pow!

Sikeston landed blow after blow on Windsor, its pressure defense and explosive offense proving too much in a 75-59 opening-round victory in the MSHSAA Class 5 District 1 Tournament at Hillsboro High School on Wednesday, Feb. 28.

The Lady Bulldogs (13-14) fantastic four brought their superpowers to the court: Landri Hammontree ignited the offense with scorching shooting like the Human Torch, netting a game-high 24 points.

Marlie Crook patrolled the paint like Mr. Fantastic, using her height and reach to disrupt shots and grab rebounds, finishing with 15 points.

Alex Segers muscled her way to the basket with the strength of the Thing, scoring 15 points. And while Kennedi Sims might not turn invisible, her relentless hustle and playmaking ability made her a force the Lady Owls (11-11) couldn't contain, adding 17 points on the night.

“We came out strong,” said Sikeston coach Vaughn Shephard. “We came out and pressured the ball and that allowed us to get ahead early on. We were so proud of our defense we were anticipating the passes, we had active hands and we communicated very well tonight.”

Sikeston will face top-seeded Farmington (21-6) in a semifinal matchup on Friday, March 1 at 5 p.m.

__SIKESTON 75, WINDSOR 59__

Windsor 8 15 17 19 — 59

Sikeston 24 15 18 18 — 75

Windsor (59) — Madison Williams 14, Sara Wieberg 10, Riley Fendler 8, Maggie Bunton 7, Adrianna Mancuso 7, Brooklyn Johnson 5, Geneva Turnbough 5, Addison Davis 3. FG: 25. FT: 4-7. F: 25. (3-pointers: Wieberg 2, Mancuso 1, Turnbough 1, Johnson 1. Fouled out: Bunton.)

Sikeston (75) — Landri Hammontree 24, Kennedi Sims 17, Marlie Crook 15, Alex Segers 15, Ja’Naye Moore 4. FG: 25. FT: 20-33. F: 13. (3-pointers: Sims 3, Hammontree 2. Fouled out: None.)