Sikeston holds off Dexter in tense SEMO contest

SIKESTON — Sikeston exorcised some fourth-quarter demons, battling out a nail-biting 54-46 win over Dexter in a tense SEMO Conference clash at the Field House on Thursday, Dec. 14.

The Lady Bulldogs (3-5), haunted by a pair of recent narrow losses, held their nerve down the stretch to muzzle the Lady Bearcats (3-4) and secure their most satisfying victory yet.

“All season, we’ve been talking about how to close out ball games against good teams,” said Sikeston coach Vaughn Shephard. “Dexter is a good team and they’re well-coached. Our girls stayed focused and finished. We didn’t let up when we made mistakes with turnovers and things like that. We made the plays that mattered most.”

Sikeston's Landri Hammontree (11) battles against a triple-team during a 54-46 win over Dexter at the Field House on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

The early back-and-forth wouldn’t hold, as Dexter seized control midway through the first quarter. Fueled by Kate Nichols and Abbie Lloyd, the Lady Bearcats created some turnovers and unleashed a 7-0 run, surging ahead 13-7.

But Sikeston answered with a mini-comeback as a tenacious offensive rebound by Kelly Coaker led to a putback and Landri Hammontree’s assertive drive to the basket narrowed the lead to 15-12 at the end of the first quarter.

“My girls came out rushing a little bit and that’s what the press is designed to do,” Shephard said. “But everyone was zoned in and we started to break the press and slowed the game down.”

Dexter's Abbie Lloyd (21) pump fakes during a 54-46 loss to Sikeston at the Field House on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

The momentum found at the tail end of the first quarter blossomed into a dominant eruption in the second. Hammontree drained two key 3-pointers, while Alex Segers, Marlie Crook and Ja’Naye Moore created constant problems as the Lady Bulldogs erupted for a 15-1 blitz to take a 26-15 lead.

Moore stepped up in a big way, contributing 10 points and making decisive plays on both ends of the court.

“She came out tonight on a sprained ankle and played well tonight,” Shephard said. “That shows what kind of grit she has, that she is a team player and that she wants to win. Tonight was a turnaround for her because defensively she was there and she finally got the offense going for her. She was all over the place. She’s a tough player and she knows only one speed.”

Sikeston's Faith Calvin (23) blocks a shot during a 54-46 win over Dexter at the Field House on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Segers and Crook also sent emphatic messages on defense, swatting away multiple Dexter attempts.

“We know we have to be physical and aggressive against teams like Dexter,” Shephard said. “You have to match their energy and I think these girls are getting tired of being pushed around. That’s what happened tonight. We were aggressive, listened to the coaches and it’s all coming together.”

Dexter managed to steal some momentum before halftime with Nichols and Febe Worley scoring quick buckets to trim the lead to 27-20.

Dexter's Kate Nichols (4) puts up a shot during a 54-46 loss to Sikeston at the Field House on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Suddenly, a 7-point cushion felt much thinner, setting the stage for a tense battle in the second half.

The Lady Bearcats threatened twice in the third quarter, Turnbo’s putback and Lloyd’s 3-pointers bringing them within one possession, but Hammontree’s step-back jumper and Segers’ drive quickly restored the Lady Bulldogs’ lead to 39-34 at the end of the third quarter. Hammontree led all scorers with 24 points.

“Hammontree is coachable, intelligent and she can take a punch,” Shephard said. “She keeps everybody going. She was there to pick everybody up and fought through the physicality. She’s yet to get into that same zone this season like she did last year, and once she does that, it’s going to be a lot of trouble for the other teams.”

Sikeston's Marlie Crooks (15) blocks a shot during a 54-46 win over Dexter at the Field House on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Dexter continued to threaten to steal the game in the fourth quarter, narrowing the lead to 43-31 after Lloyd launched a 3-pointer that danced on the rim before dropping in and Turnbo and Nichols scored inside.

However, Faith Calvin made a pivotal defensive play, grabbing a defensive rebound and finding Kennedi Sims in transition. Calvin made a layup on Sikeston’s next offensive possession for her first points of the season, extending the lead to 47-41.

“[Calvin] gets us extra possessions every time she is on the floor,” Shephard said. “She’s going to outwork everybody else out there. I’ve told her that as long as she does what she does on defense with the hustle plays and rebounds then she’ll get her points. I’m so proud of her for sticking to this game. She’s learning and having fun.”

Dexter's Allison Turnbo (30) during a 54-46 loss to Sikeston at the Field House on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Dexter wouldn’t back down as Turnbo buried a 3-pointer to narrow it to 47-44. But Hammontree, in ice-cold form, responded with a dagger triple of her own, pushing the lead back to 50-44 with 2:26 remaining.

Clutch free throws down the stretch sealed the victory.

Dexter will compete in the Twin Rivers Lady Royals Holiday Classic, beginning Saturday, Dec. 16, while Sikeston will host Caruthersville (0-3) on Monday, Dec. 18.

__SIKESTON 54, DEXTER 46__

Dexter 15 5 14 12 — 46

Sikeston 12 15 12 15 — 54

Dexter (46) — Kate Nichols 14, Allison Turnbo 13, Abbie Lloyd 10, Febe Worley 4, Karis Kennedy 4, Mauriona Menley 1. FG: 15. FT: 10-20. F: 21. (3-pointers: Turnbo 3, Lloyd 2, Nichols 1. Fouled out: none).

Sikeston (64) — Landri Hammontree 24, Ja’Naye Moore 10, Kennedi Sims 6, Alex Segers 5, Kell Coaker 4,

Marlie Crooks 3, Faith Calvin 2. FG: 22. FT: 7-17. F: 18. (3-pointers: Hammontree 3. Fouled out: Crook).