Cape Central overwhelms Sikeston in top-10 battle

SIKESTON — Cape Central overpowered Sikeston in a battle of Class 5 top-10 teams at the Field House on Friday, Feb. 10.

The No. 2 Tigers (21-1) cruised to an 84-57 victory over the Bulldogs (16-5), marking the team’s largest win in the series of this millennium.

“We had great effort,” said Cape Central coach Drew Church. “Sikeston is physical and hard to play against because they shot it so well and spread the floor. They’re also relentless on defense, and I was proud of how our guys handled the pressure, not only in the full court but in the half court too. We were strong with the ball and made good plays.”

Sikeston's Tristan Wiggins (0) calls a play during an 84-57 loss to Cape Central at the Field House on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

The teams started at a blistering pace. Cameron Williams knocked down a pair of free throws for the first points of the game, but Dontrez Williams quickly answered with an outside basket.

Jaydon Reynolds convert a 3-point on the next possession to regain the lead for Cape Central, but a bucket from Chris Artis tied it 5-5.

Tigers jumped out to a 17-12 advantage after Marquel Murray and Maurice Boyd hit 3-pointers and Cameron Williams converted a pair of 3-point plays, but Dontrez Williams had back-to-back scores to tie again at 17-17.

Cape Central's Matayo Rivers (0) pass inside to Marquel Murray (4) during an 84-57 at Sikeston on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

Cape Central led 29-21 after finishing the first quarter on a 12-4 run. The stretch included a couple of baskets from Murray, including a big two-handed jam, and a pair of 3-pointers from Reynolds.

“I’ve been at Cape a long time and we have had some wars here in the building,” Church said. “This is a great venue. It’s always loud and exciting. Our kids enjoy playing in big-time environments, and they’re used to this atmosphere. I can’t give them enough credit.”

Cape Central picked up the defensive intensity in the second quarter and started making Sikeston take some tougher shots. The Tigers were also able to shred the Bulldogs' press and half-court defense throughout the game.

Cape Central's Jaydon Reynolds (12) dribbles during an 84-57 at Sikeston on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

“We did a good job of moving the ball,” Church continued. “We hit the middle several times. When we did get past them on the dribble we made sure to pass it ahead and find open guys. We didn’t want to be passive against their press. We wanted to attack it and score off it. That’s tough to do but our guys did a great job.”

Cape Central put the game out of reach in the second quarter and extended its lead to 20 points at the halftime break. Cameron Williams led the Tigers with a game-high 21 points.

“[Cameron Williams] was great tonight and not just scoring,” Church said. “His physicality was great. He met his passes and dominated the board. We talked before the game about this being his last time playing here. He’s a competitive kid and he relishes that. I can’t say enough good things about him. He made shots, rebounded, guarded well, and also made great passes.”

Murray, who still playing his first season of varsity basketball, scored the final two baskets of the first half, a step-back 3-pointer and another slam, to make it 51-31 at the break.

“I don’t know that we consider him a freshman anymore,” Church said. “But [Murray] is really good when he gets downhill. He’s good with the ball and he’s unselfish. He’s had a great year and will continue to develop because he has a great attitude. He has some big things ahead of him.”

Cape Central was able to add to its lead some in the second half, increasing it to as much as 28.

“[Cape Central] came in well prepared and played great,” said Sikeston coach Gregg Holifield. “They have outstanding players who made everything go their way.”

Cape Central will host the top team in Class 3, Charleston (19-5), on Tuesday, Feb. 14. The game will likely decide the SEMO Conference regular season title.

"That’s going to be a great game,” Church said. “They’re playing well and have a lot of talent. They’re strong, physical and just a great team. Our guys will rise to the occasion. It will be a physical SEMO Conference game and we’re looking forward to that.”

Sikeston has a challenging week ahead. They will travel to Class 3, No. 4 New Madrid County Central (15-7) on Tuesday, Feb. 14, to Caruthersville (14-3) on Thursday, Feb. 16, and host Jackson (15-8) on Friday, Feb. 17.

“It doesn’t get any easier,” Holifield said. “We just have to regroup, get tough and get back to work.”

__CAPE CENTRAL 84, SIKESTON 57__

Cape Central 29 22 20 13 — 84

Sikeston 21 10 15 14 — 57

__Cape Central (84) —__ Cameron Williams 21, Marquel Murray 21, La’Troy McIntosh 18, Jaydon Reynolds 15, Maurice Boyd 3, Matayo Rivers 2, Tyson Williams 2. FG: 33. FT: 11-14. F: 10. (3-pointers: Reynolds 4, Murray 2, Boyd 1. Fouled out: none.)

__Sikeston (57) —__ Dontrez Williams 20, Lekereon McCray 15, Tristan Wiggins 11, Chris Artis 6, Creighton Sarakas 3, Kobe Thomas 2. FG: 21. FT: 9-12. F: 16. (3-pointers: Wiggins 2, Williams 2, Sarakas 1, McCray 1. Fouled out: Williams.)