Mules Overwhelmed by Top-Ranked Sikeston

SIKESTON — A double-double from a Sikeston standout holds off the Mules as they continue their rough patch.

Playing three straight games against elite teams can be challenging, but the Poplar Bluff High School Mules have stepped up each time.

The Mules hit the road on Friday for their third straight SEMO Conference game as they faced the No.1 team in Class 5, the Sikeston Bulldogs. The Mules stepped onto the court with a lot of intensity, but with multiple turnovers, the game would be taken out of reach as they would lose to the Bulldogs 87-48.

With this loss, the Mules fall to 11-10 on the season.

Before the game tipped off, Mules’ coach Will Durden said protecting the ball was imperative in this matchup if they wanted to come away with the win, but that wouldn’t be the case as Sikeston continued their undefeated run.

While Sikeston entered the matchup with a clean record of 18-0, the Mules looked to get back on the winning side as they have taken losses from some top-tier teams such as Cape Central (12-6) and New Madrid County Central ((18-1).

The last time these two played, Sikeston was victorious with an 86-57. For the Mules to avoid the same outcome, they needed protection in the post and minimal turnovers, as they recorded 22 in their previous game.

Despite the recent skid, the Mules have competed each time, but they would have their hands full with the Bulldogs led by offensive juggernaut Dontrez Williams. With the Mules leading scoring Preston Moore going scoreless in their previous game, they would need him to be more aggressive for a chance to knock off the Bulldogs.

Mules kicked off the game with a full head of steam as they started with a quick 11-4 run, showing the Bulldogs that the game would be challenging compared to the others. Sikeston didn’t seem bothered by the explosion from the Mules as they are known for making a run, it was only a matter of time before they found their rhythm.

Williams would get things rolling for the Bulldogs as he beceame a scoring threat midway through the first quarter, scoring 10 unanswered points. Sikeston saw an opening to rattle the Mules, and they didn’t hold back by causing multiple turnovers to close out the first quarter with a 29-13 lead.

The Mules struggled to protect the ball, allowing Siketson to extend the lead even further. The Bulldogs would hold a 55-22 lead heading into halftime, with a top-notch first-half performance from Williams, who captured 31 points and seven rebounds.

After allowing 17 turnovers in the first half, the Mules needed to utilize everything in their playbook to trim the deficit. Most of the third quarter consisted of the same flow for Sikeston, turning the Mules’ miscues into a series of buckets.

While holding an 82-38 lead to start the fourth, the mercy rule from the clock would close the game for the Bulldogs. Sikeston picked up their 19th win of the season with a clean loss record. With both teams competing in the same district, chances are these two will meet again. Hopefully, the Mules will be ready to battle if that time arises again.

Williams led the Bulldogs with 35 points, 12 rebounds and four assists, Tristan Wiggins had 13 points and Lekereon McCray added with 12 points, six rebounds and two assists.

Junior guard Brendan Durden led the Mules with 11 points and two rebounds, while Dallas Williams added 11 points.

The Mules hit the road next Friday to take on the Notre Dame Bulldogs and assistant coach Arron Duncan said the team must take this loss and learn from it.

“I thought we came out on a nice run,” Duncan said. “We were successful early by getting looks at the rim, but turnovers hurt and missed opportunities hurt us, and when you start making mistakes like that, its a formula for a bad game. We have to grow and get better. We just have to get in the gym and practice tougher. You have to put the work in at practice if you expect to step onto the floor to compete with a team like Sikeston. This is a tough stretch for us, and we just have to be better.”