Williams explodes for 29, leads Sikeston to decisive win over Normandy

SIKESTON — No landing gear was needed as Sikeston stormed past Normandy Collaborative with an 89-57 offensive barrage at the Field House on Tuesday, Dec. 19, that would make even General Eisenhower applaud with approval.

With an unbeaten record intact and confidence soaring, the Bulldogs (8-0) march into the holiday break after leaving the Vikings (1-6) as conquered as bunkers under allied fire.

“We had good energy to start the game,” said Sikeston coach Gregg Holifeild. “Normandy played hard and caused some problems because they were so quick but our guys continued to work, forced some turnovers that allowed points and we were able to build a lead.”

Sikeston's Dontrez Williams (1) makes a tough shot during an 89-57 win over Normandy at the Field House on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Though Normandy stayed within striking distance early, the tide turned midway through the first quarter with a Kobe Thomas 3-pointer.

Sikeston closed the opening quarter on a 7-1 tear, highlighted by Trace Sadler's emphatic dunk, to lead 25-17.

“They are probably as quick as anybody we have seen this year,” Holifield said. “That was an adjustment and our players did a good job. We were able to get some easy buckets, which helped us.”

Sikeston's student section celebrates during an 89-57 win over Normandy at the Field House on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

PJ Farmer's free throws momentarily pushed the lead to double digits early in the second quarter, but Normandy hung tough.

However, J’Kwon Applewhite's timely layup proved the turning point, pushing the lead back to double digits for good and sparking a run that secured Sikeston's 49-29 halftime advantage.

“Our defensive pressure picked up, which allowed us to create some points,” Holifield said. “Chris Artis did a great job of coming in and pressuring the basketball. He and Kobe Thomas turned up the defense and Dontrez Williams did a tremendous job on the boards all night. He rebounded well.”

Sikeston's Trace Sadler (3) puts up a shot during an 89-57 win over Normandy at the Field House on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Sikeston's relentless offense showed no signs of slowing down in the second half. A thunderous fast-break dunk by Chris Artis in the final minute of the third quarter capped a dominant frame, sending the Bulldogs into the final period with a resounding 80-47 lead.

Normandy, despite switching defensive schemes, found no answer to the offensive onslaught.

“It’s a point of emphasis for us to come out and play as hard as we can all the time,” Holifield said. “We continued to be hungry going for the basketball and that led to us being out of position at times. We played well overall but there were some times we were a little lackadaisical. We just have to work to get better in those areas.”

Sikeston's Chris Artis (2) goes up strong during an 89-57 win over Normandy at the Field House on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

The fourth quarter saw Sikeston cruise under the running clock mercy rule, allowing their reserves valuable playing time in the blowout victory.

Williams was the Bulldogs' offensive engine, pouring in 29 points, while Farmer, Tristan Wiggins, Thomas, and Applewhite all chipped in 10 apiece.

Sikeston received the top seed in the 30th Annual St. Dominic Christmas Tournament and will take on eighth-seeded Hannibal (2-4) on Wednesday, Dec. 27 at 5:30 p.m.

__SIKESTON 89, NORMANDY 57__

Normandy 17 12 18 10 — 57

Sikeston 25 24 31 9 — 89

Normandy (57) — Zach Piphas 12, Torrion Goodson 9, Tayshawn Thompson 8, Eric Neal 8, Keivon Smith 7, Daylen Hines 6, Lamonte Brown 3, Damon Wood 2, Jason Mosby 1. FG: 21. FT: 8-14. F: 21. (3-pointers: Neal 2, Thompson 2, Piphas 1, Brown 1, Goodson 1. Fouled out: none).

Sikeston (89) — Dontrez Williams 29, Tristan Wiggins 10, Kobe Thomas 10, PJ Farmer 10, J’Kwon Applewhite 10, Trace Sadler 9, Chris Artis 6, Lekereon McCray 5. FG: 35. FT: 14-25. F: 11. (3-pointers: Thomas 2, Wiggins 2, McCray 1. Fouled out: none).