SIKESTON — It was a night for the record books as Sikeston lit up the scoreboard, completely outmatching Doniphan 123-54 in the Field House finale on Tuesday, Feb. 20.
The numbers tell the story: The Class 5, No. 1 Bulldogs (25-0) shot a blistering 74 percent (52-for-70), sinking 13 from downtown, with seven players in double-figures against the Dons (5-16).
"We shot the basketball very well and did a great of sharing the basketball," said Sikeston coach Gregg Holifield. "It was a really positive night. We just didn’t [miss] very many shots, and when you’re shooting like that great things will happen.”
The offensive outburst is believed to be a program record, potentially eclipsing decades of Bulldog basketball history.
Sikeston's 123 points rank as the 12th highest total in recorded history by MSHSAA
The victory also marked coach Holifield's 600th career win (504 with Sikeston), adding another layer of significance.
Dontrez Williams led the Bulldogs with 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting, while also pulling down eight rebounds and adding three steals. Trace Sadler also scored 17 points and made 8 of 9 shots from the field.
Kobe Thomas showcased his sharp shooting, sinking 5 of 6 three-pointers for 15 points. Tristan Wiggins contributed 13 points on 5-of-6 shooting while dishing out 10 assists and grabbing four rebounds.
Chris Artis (12 points on 6-of-8 shooting, four assists, two rebounds), Lekereon McCray (11 points on 5-of-8 shooting, nine assists, five steals, four rebounds), and Malachi Davis (10 points on 5-of-5 shooting) all hit double-digits as well.
The excitement and pride were evident among Sikeston's seniors as they reflected on the night.
"Everyone played their role and executed the offense perfectly," said senior J'Kwon Applewhite. "We played very well. We passed very well. We’re just trying to get ready for a very tough matchup on Thursday.”
Senior Isaiah Jimmerson-Patterson echoed that enthusiasm: "It’s just amazing. Everyone made the extra pass. It was amazing the way everyone was moving the ball."
Even with the dominant performance, Holifield knows his team has work ahead as they prepare for their regular-season finale on the road against Father Tolton Regional Catholic (14-9) on Thursday, Feb. 22.
"It's going to be difficult," Holifield admitted. "It's a long trip and we're playing a very good team. We have to make sure we work hard to have a chance.”
The Bulldogs received the No. 1 seed in the MSHSAA Class 5, District Tournament at North County High School.
Sikeston will take on eighth-seeded North County (2-20) on Thursday, Feb. 29 at 4 p.m.
Emmitt Jones scored 21 and Corey Hagood added 10 to lead the Dons.
Doniphan concludes its regular season on the road at Kennett (5-18) on Thursday, Feb. 22.
__SIKESTON 123, DONIPHAN 54__
Doniphan 16 13 12 13 — 54
Sikeston 28 38 34 23 — 123
Doniphan (54) — Emmitt Jones 21, Corey Hagood 10, Isaac Rawling 9, Tyler Lowery 5, Kaden Buffington 4, Lane Allen 4, Rylan Speck 1. FG: 23. FT: 3-6. F: 7. (3-pointers: Jones 2, Hagood 1, Rawling 1, Lowery 1. Fouled out: None.)
Sikeston (123) — Dontrez Williams 17, Trace Sadler 17, Kobe Thomas 15, Tristan Wiggins 13, Chris Artis 12, LeKereon McCray 11, Malachi Davis 10, Will Lape 9, Isaiah Jimmerson-Patterson 5, J’Kwon Applewhite 4, Jaharus Goodwin 4, Marcus Sanders Jr. 4, Dontayvious Wright 2. FG: 52. FT: 6-9. F: 6. (3-pointers: Thomas 5, Wiggins 3, Lape 3, Williams 2, Jimmerson-Patterson 1. Fouled out: none.)
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