Sikeston wins fifth straight with 58-48 victory at Malden

MALDEN, Mo. — Sikeston extended its win streak to five games with a 58-48 comeback win at Malden on Thursday, Feb. 15.

The Lady Bulldogs (11-12) were powered by a dominant performance from junior Landri Hammontree.

“We are so proud of the girls,” said Sikeston coach Vaughn Shephard. “We are playing so well right now and we are locked in. It is getting close to districts and these girls just want to win.”

Sikeston surged ahead early, showcasing an explosive offense and building a 16-6 lead at the end of the first quarter.

However, the Green Wave (16-8) refused to back down, chipping away at the lead and clawing their way back to a 26-24 deficit at halftime.

Malden seized momentum in the third quarter, outscoring Sikeston and building a 44-40 advantage heading into the final period.

Facing a deficit, the Lady Bulldogs regrouped and unleashed a relentless defensive effort in the fourth quarter, holding the Green Wave to just four points.

“We started a little sluggish on the defensive end in the first half,” Shephard said. “We allowed Malden to get in the paint too deep but we tightened it up in the second half and that allowed us to secure the win. We rebounded the ball better in the second half, the defense was better and we were able to score on the offensive end.”

Hammontree delivered a stellar performance, leading all scorers with 31 points. Kennedi Sims contributed 10 points, and Marlie Crook added six points.

Sikeston now prepares for a challenging final stretch of their regular season.

They host Jackson (14-8) on Wednesday, Feb. 21, travel to Class 4 No. 1 Doniphan (21-0) on Thursday, Feb. 22, and face Poplar Bluff (7-14) at home on Saturday, Feb. 24.

“We have a tough ones next week but I think we will have our girls ready,” Vaughn concluded.

__SIKESTON 58, MALDEN 48__

Sikeston 16 10 14 15 — 58

Malden 6 18 20 4 — 48

Sikeston (58) — Landri Hammontree 31, Kennedi Sims 10, Marlie Crook 6, Faith Calvin 5, Alex Segers 4, Ja’Naye Moore 2. FG: 20. FT: 15-19. F: 16. (3-pointers: Hammontree 3. Fouled out: None.)

Malden (48) — Sydni Halliburton 20, Carsyn Cohen 9, Mariah Loya 8, Cam Ellison 5, Angela Dobbins 4, Hesty Jackson 2. FG: 21. FT: 5-16. F: 19. (3-pointers: Ellison 1. Fouled out: Jackson.)