Jackson cruises past Sikeston; Dexter upsets Saxony Lutheran; Poplar Bluff defeats NMCC in SEMO Conference Tournament

NEW MADRID, Mo. — The Jackson girls’ basketball team overwhelmed Sikeston with superior size, physicality and relentless effort, securing a 71-38 victory in the opening round of the SEMO Conference Tournament at New Madrid County Central High School on Monday, Nov. 27. 

From the opening tip, the Lady Indians (2-0) imposed their will on the game, establishing a commanding lead that the Lady Bulldogs (1-2) struggled to bridge. 

“Truth be told, from the start to the end, everybody’s effort was high that’s what we asked,” said Jackson coach Angela Fulton. “The win doesn’t happen without that. Everyone played their role well and gave it everything they had. So we’re all pleased and happy.”

Sikeston's Marlie Crooks (15) works in the post during a 71-38 loss to Jackson in the opening round of the SEMO Conference Tournament at New Madrid County Central High School on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Cameryn Alsdorf’s ability to penetrate Sikeston's defense and finish at the rim played a crucial role in establishing Jackson's early lead. Lillie Cole and Katy St. John added depth to Jackson's offensive attack, each draining a three-pointer to further extend the advantage to 25-12 at the end of the first quarter. 

“Alsdorf is an exceptional player who stepped up for us today,” Fulton said. “She set the pace of the game with her tempo. Her teammates provided excellent support by being in the right positions to facilitate her scoring opportunities. Collectively, we played with great teamwork and executed our game plan effectively."

Alsdorf finished with a game-high 21 points and outdueled the SEMO Conference leading scorer from last season, Sikeston’s Landri Hammontree, who has 18 points. 

Jackson's Holland Gulliams (11) goes for a layup during a 71-38 win over Sikeston in the opening round of the SEMO Conference Tournament at New Madrid County Central on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023.Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

The Lady Indians had several players stepped up to complement Alsdorf's stellar performance. Holland Gulliams was the team’s second-leading scorer, contributing a solid 14 points. 

But a team-first approach, where every player played their role, was the cornerstone of the convincing victory.

“[Guilliams] played an awesome game,” Fulton said. “She did a lot of things well, putting the ball in the basket and providing leadership and presence on the floor. Skyler Stroder also had a strong game. We played well, but we had some easy baskets that we couldn’t finish. We’ll look at what we need to improve on, we have to correct it, and we’ll try to come back with the same effort on Thursday.”

Sikeston's Alex Segers (20) pulls up for a shot during a 71-38 loss to Jackson in the opening round of the SEMO Conference Tournament at New Madrid County Central High School on Monday, Nov. 27, 2023.Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

No. 2 Jackson will face sixth-seeded Dexter(1-0) in a semifinal on Thursday, Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m.

No. 7 seed Sikeston will face eighth-seeded NMCC (0-3) in the consolation bracket on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 8:30 p.m.

“We played hard until we didn’t,” said Sikeston coach Vaughn Shephard. “We kind of let up when we knew we weren’t going to be able to come back. You don’t like to see that as a coach. But we rebounded better and competed with a tough and physical team. Jackson’s size was a factor but they deserve respect, they’re a good program and they are well-coached.”

__LADY BEARCATS UPSET CRUSADERS__

The sixth-seeded Dexter girls’ basketball team pulled off a 47-46 dark horse victory over third-seeded Saxony Lutheran in the opening round of the SEMO Conference Tournament.

The Lady Bearcats avenged a pair of losses to the Crusaders (1-1) last season, including a 36-35 defeat in the conference tournament. Dexter was led by Kate Nichols and Abbie Lloyd, who scored 15 and 12, respectively.

Saxony Lutheran’s top scorers were Evie Caruso (17) and Abigail Haleky (14). The Crusaders will face the winner of the Sikeston/NMCC game on Wednesday, Nov. 29 at 7:30 p.m.

__OVERLOOKED LADY MULES MAKE STATEMENT AGAINST LADY EAGLES__

The ninth-seed Poplar Bluff girls’ basketball team won 62-37 over eighth-seeded NMCC in the opening round of the SEMO Conference Tournament.

The Lady Mules (1-2) top performers were Darneesha Danner (19 points) and Kennedy Zgaynor (18 points), while the Lady Eagles were led in scoring by Aubrey Aycock and Destiny Hughes, who scored 12 and 11, respectively.

Poplar Bluff will face top-seeded Notre Dame (0-0) on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 5:30 p.m.

__JACKSON 71, SIKESTON 38__

Sikeston 12 7 14 5 — 38

Jackson 25 11 12 23 — 71

Sikeston (38) — Landri Hammontree 18, Marlie Crook 10, Kelly Coaker 4, Kennedi Sims 2, Ja’Naye Moore 2, Alex Segers. FG: 11. FT: 16-24. F: 24. (3-pointers: none. Fouled out: Sims).  

Jackson (71) — Cameryn Alsdorf 21, Holland Gulliams 14, Lillie Cole 9, Skyler Stroder 6, Brooke Balsman 6, Katy St. John 5, Anandi Treadwell 4, Addison Criddle 3, Jayla Smith 2, Payton Gannon 1. FG: 25. FT: 18-27. F: 22. (3-pointers: Criddle 1, Cole 1, St. John 1. Fouled out: none). 

__DEXTER 47, SAXONY LUTHERAN 46__

Dexter 14 14 8 11 — 47

Saxony Lutheran 10 7 14 15 — 46

Dexter (47) — Kate Nichols 15, Abbie Lloyd 12, Allison Turnbo 8, Kalire Essner 5, Averee Ackman 5, Mauriona Menley 2. FG: 20. FT: 3-10. F: 11. (3-pointers: Lloyd 3, Ackman 1, Nichols 1. Fouled out: none).

Saxony Lutheran (46) — Evie Caruso 17, Abigail Haley 14, Timora Criddle 9, Maddie Preusser 3, Annie Adams 2, Sadie Elmore 1. FG: 18. FT: 5-8. F: 15. (3-pointers: Criddle 3, Caruso 1, Haley 1. Fouled out: none).

__ POPLAR BLUFF 62, NMCC 37__

NMCC 9 4 17 7 — 37

Poplar Bluff 13 15 20 14 — 62

NMCC (37) — Aubrey Aycock 12, Destiny Hughes 11, Jordan Maltbia 6, Rozellyn Brooks 3, Kyrstin Gordan 2, MaKaylin Ranson 2, Aalayah Balir 2. FG: 13. FT: 11-26. F: 13. (3-pointers: none. Fouled out: none).

Poplar Bluff (62) — Darneesha Danner 19, Kennedy Zgaynor 18, Makyra Mead 6, Abby Wilson 6, Anna Hays 6, Kenzie Kendle 4, Jalissa Johnson 3. FG: 25. FT: 8-12. F: 22. (3-pointers: Hays 2, Wilson 1, Zgaynor 1. Fouled out: Johnson).