Defense leads Sikeston to third straight win

SIKESTON — After weathering a mid-season storm, Sikeston has found its sea legs, sailing to its third straight victory with a dominant 62-27 win over Miller Academy at the Field House on Thursday, Feb. 8.

“We played with a lot of energy tonight," said Sikeston coach Vaughn Shephard. "We came out pressuring the ball right away, forced some turnovers, and that helped us build an early lead. Getting ahead early allowed us to settle in and play our game with confidence. That was key."

Landri Hammontree (17 points, four steals, two assists) and Kennedi Sims (11 points, five steals, three rebounds) spearheaded the attack. Hammontree carved through the Miller Academy defense, while Sims harassed ball handlers and contributed on both ends.

But the defensive effort was the story. The Lady Bulldogs (9-12) held the Phoenix (4-11) to just 27 points, forcing turnovers and dictating the tempo. Marlie Crooks was a dominant presence, swatting away eight shots to go with 12 rebounds and nine points.

Alex Segers added 10 points, four rebounds, and three steals, highlighting the team's balanced contributions.

Sikeston will have little time to celebrate the winning, as they face a monumental challenge in the form of traveling to Class 4, No. 1 Doniphan (20-0) on Monday.

While acknowledging the daunting task at hand, both players and coaches remain optimistic. The recent string of victories has instilled a sense of confidence, and the team emphasizes their commitment to preparation and effort.