Sikeston flattens Portageville for 14th straight win

SIKESTON — Class 5, No. 1 Sikeston (14-0) lived up to its "Showtime" billing, lighting up the scoreboard in a comprehensive 75-29 triumph over Portageville (8-5) at the Field House on Thursday, Jan. 11.

Beyond the highlights, Sikeston’s depth shines true. The win marked the fifth game this season where 12 or more players put points on the board.

Sikeston's Dontrez Williams (1) rises up for a dunk during a 75-29 win over Portageville at the Field House on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

“We did a lot of good things,” said Sikeston coach Gregg Holifield. “We came out and played the game the right way. Defensively, we were communicating and helping each other. Offensively, we did a good job of attacking the basket and taking good shots. I’m proud of the effort.”

Before the popcorn kernels even had a chance to pop, strong play from standout senior Dontrez Williams and a one-handed throwdown had Sikeston out to a double-digit advantage.

Sikeston's PJ Farmer (24) scores during a 75-29 win over Portageville at the Field House on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Sikeston kept the pedal to the metal, with Williams exploding for 15 of his game-high 23 points in the first quarter.

PJ Farmer started the second quarter with his own magic to increase the lead to 37-8. With a floor general's touch, he conjured up four straight assists, including a lob dunk to Williams.

Sikeston's Tristan Wiggins (0) scores during a 75-29 win over Portageville at the Field House on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Sikeston led 47-13 at halftime after Trace Sadler added a two-handed slam off an assist from Williams in the closing moments of the second quarter.

“It was a good team effort where we all worked hard,” said Sikeston’s Chris Artis.

Sikeston's Jaharus Goodwin (30) defends Portageville's Brandon West (35) at the Field House on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Early in the second quarter, Sikeston upped the ante with a Sportscenter-worthy play after Lekereon McCray’s backboard pass connected with Sadler for a ferocious finish, increasing the lead to 57-14.

“I liked how we moved the ball around and were looking for each other,” Williams said.

Sikeston cruised to the final buzzer, with every player on the bench seeing valuable minutes.

The Sikeston student section celebrates a dunk during a 75-29 win over Portageville at the Field House on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Facing a quick turnaround, Portageville hits the road again on Friday, Jan. 11, taking on South Pemiscot (5-5) for its next challenge.

Up next for Sikeston is a home showdown against Kennett (4-8) on Tuesday, Jan. 16.

Eager to erase the memory of a 90-37 shellacking in the SEMO Conference Tournament earlier this season, the Indians seek payback.

“We know they’re going play hard,” Holifield said. “I’m sure they’ll have great effort and do everything they can. We have to be prepared and play our game.”

__SIKESTON 75, PORTAGEVILLE 29__

P’Ville 8 5 6 10 — 29

Sikeston 23 24 22 6 — 75

Portageville (29) — Jamarion Smith 5, Mason Adams 5, Xayvion Bogan 4, Tim Hamilton 4, Connor Jeffries 3, Brandon West 3, Aaron Dunlap 3, Antonio Hickenbottom 2. FG: 9. FT: 7-14. F: 8. (3-pointers: Dunlap 1, Adams 1, Smith 1, West 1. Fouled out: None).

Sikeston (75) — Dontrez Williams 23, Chris Artis 11, PJ Farmer 10, Trace Sadler 6, Lekereon McCray 6, Kobe Thomas 5, Tristan Wiggins 4, J’Kwon Applewhite 2, Jaharus Goodwin 2, Isaiah Jimmerson-Patterson 2, Malachi Davis 2, Marcus Sanders Jr. 2. FG: 31. FT: 10-10. F: 16. (3-pointers: Williams 1, Artis 1, Thomas 1. Fouled out: None).