Pressure propels Sikeston to win at Kelly

BENTON, Mo. — The Sikeston girls basketball team used a couple of lopsided runs to secure a win at Kelly on Tuesday, Feb. 7.

The game was extremely competitive for a little more a quarter until some strong stretches from the Lady Bulldogs (5-12) extinguished the Lady Hawks’ (10-12) hopes of home victory, 73-58.

“We came out playing well,” said Sikeston coach Vaughn Shephard. “But so did Kelly. They’re a well-coached, hard-working team. We couldn’t get going offensively as we wanted in the first half, but our girls dug it out by playing hard and never stopped.”

Sikeston's Landri Hammontree (11) goes for a layup during a 73-58 win at Kelly on Tuesday, Feb. 7. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

Jakiah Adams gave Sikeston a 3-0 lead when she knocked down a 3-pointer for the first points of the game. The Lady Bulldogs increased the lead to 7-3 after Landri Hammontree stole an inbounds pass and made a layup, and 12-5 when Nayla Bonner hit an outside shot, but Kelly narrowed the lead to 12-10 after Kayleigh Holman converted a 3-point play, and Kristen Grogan made a pair of free throws.

A switch flipped for Sikeston with about six minutes remaining in the second quarter and the team clinging to a 24-22 advantage. In less than two minutes the Lady Bulldogs had scored 14 unanswered points and extended the lead to 38-22.

Hammontree had several takeaways and baskets during the run, including a crafty left-handed finish. Alex Segers also had multiple buckets, and Kirsten Fairhurst capped the stretch with a steal and score.

Kelly's Kristen Grogan (3) drives to the bucket during a 73-58 loss to Sikeston on Tuesday, Feb. 7. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

Segers finished with a game-high 23 points.

“She growing and has a lot to learn,” Shephard said. “But she can be a great ballplayer. She’s just a freshman and she’s already doing some really good things for this team. We’re just trying to get her in her groove because we’re really going to need her to step up in the future and carry our team.”

The Lady Hawks finished the first half strong with a 10-3 run to get back within single digits. Jada Griggs scored eight of her 11 points during the span.

Sikeston's Jakiah Adams (24) brings the ball up the court during a 73-58 win at Kelly on Tuesday, Feb. 7. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

“We responded pretty well,” said Kelly coach Matthew Blissett. “Sometimes they get worried about the calls not going their way, but they got back up and fought back into the game. The effort was definitely there tonight.”

Kelly’s Lola Pattengill scored inside to open the second half and make it 42-34, but Sikeston countered wth another near-flawless stretch, increasing the lead to 57-34 with 15 straight points.

“We told them to keep pushing,” Shephard said. “They kept their hands active and we got some tips that allowed us to open it up on the scoreboard.

Sikeston's Nayla Bonner (14) shoots a free throw during a 73-58 win at Kelly on Tuesday, Feb. 7. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

“That motivated us to play harder,” he continued. “We got the pressure on the ball and were able to get out and get some layups. I liked what I saw because our girls were doing exactly what the coaching staff asked. I’m proud of them.”

The Lady Bulldogs did a much better job of penetrating and getting open, easy shots around the basket in the second half.

Hammontree finished the game with 18 points and seven assists. She showed great ability to initiate the offense and make smart, effective passes.

Kelly's Brooke Dirnberger (13) passes during a 73-58 loss to Sikeston on Tuesday, Feb. 7. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

“It’s a lot of fun to have a player like [Hammontree],” Shephard said. “She’s coachable, respectful, and comes out plays 110 percent every game. But to have someone who sees the whole floor like she does, getting her head up and finding teammates, it’s fun as a coach. All they have to do is be there and she’s going to find them.”

Sikeston led by as much 27 points before taking its foot off the gas.

Fairhurst was the team’s only other player to reach double-digit scoring, finishing with 10 points. She was also the team’s leading rebounder and had several steals and blocks.

Sikeston's Kirsten Fairhurst (12) runs in transition during a 73-58 win at Kelly on Tuesday, Feb. 7. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

“Night in and night out, I know what she’s going to give us,” Shephard said. “As she goes, the team goes. She gets the 50/50 balls by hustling. She’s going to give you that every game no matter what. Right now she playing through a hurt shoulder, but that's just who she is.”

Shepard added that he was also impressed with the defensive effort from Adams and Bonner.

“That’s what I expect out of those girls,” he said.

Kelly's Aleya King (5) goes up for a layup during a 73-58 loss to Sikeston on Tuesday, Feb. 7. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat)

Sikeston will host Doniphan (19-1) on Monday, Feb. 13. The Donnettes are the fourth-ranked team in Class 4.

“[Doniphan] is going to come out, press and pressure us,” Shephard said. “I expect to see my girls step up to the challenge and compete with them. We can be in the game and win if we do the right things like outrebound them and execute the game plan.

Kelly was led in scoring by Brooke Dirnberger with 20. The Lady Hawks will host New Madrid County Central (2-15) on Thursday, Feb. 9.

__SIKESTON 73, KELLY 58__

Sikeston 16 25 19 13 — 73

Kelly 12 20 9 17 — 58

__Sikeston (73) —__ Alex Segers 23, Landri Hammontree 18, Kirtsen Fairhurst 10, Nayla Bonner 9, Jakiah Adams 8, Keara Johnson 2, Marlie Crook 2, Alexis Johnson 1. FG: 30. FT: 11-18. F: 24. (3-pointers: Adams 1, Bonner 1. Fouled out: none.

__Kelly (58) — __Brooke Dirnberger 20, Kristen Grogan 17, Jada Griggs 11, Macy Burger 4, Kayleigh Holman 4, Lola Pattengill 2. FG: 15. FT: 25-31. F: 13. (3-pointers: Dirnberger 1. Fouled out: none.)