SIKESTON -- Sikeston followed up Monday's impressive showing against Jackson with a 63-55 win over Kelly on Tuesday. The high-profile Lady Hawks fall to 17-3 on the year, with two losses coming to the upstart Lady Bulldogs.
"We're trying to make the best of this season," said Sikeston head coach Lee Brooks. "We have really pulled it together. (The girls) aren't cocky, but they know they can play with the better teams. We're just looking forward to districts right now. We're ready to play."
Sikeston fell behind 9-7 in the first quarter, but was able to break the press. The Lady Bulldogs then used a 20-12 run in the second quarter to take a 27-21 halftime lead. Sikeston outscored Kelly 36-34 in the second half to improve to 13-7 on the year.
"We always see where we stand when we play Kelly," said Brooks. "The girls on both teams come to play when we go up against one another. When you get through with the game, you're just glad it's over."
Leading scorer Jennifer Medlin was held to just six points on the night, but other Sikeston players stepped up.
Stephanie Clark led the team with 13 points, hitting 11-of-14 foul shots. As a team, Sikeston hit 29-of-43 in the game.
"I've been looking for a big game out of Stephanie Clark all year," said Brooks. "She's the one that really stepped up tonight."
Summer Ray and Joy Daniel also had big nights, scoring 10 points each. Kerri Jones and Jaime Medlin each contributed eight.
Ashley Kern paced Kelly with 13 points, followed by Kelly Essner with 10. Dana Essner and Christy Kluesner each contributed eight.
"I've got to give it to Coach (Rod) McQuerter," said Brooks. "It's not the most talented team he's had, but he has really pulled them together."
Sikeston will travel to Charleston on Thursday for the final road game of the season, before hosting Cape Central next Monday and Delta on Thursday.
Kelly won Tuesday's junior varsity game, 44-36. Mia Welch led all Sikeston scorers with 14 points, followed by Nyketia Johnson with 10, Berneatress Hunt with seven and Victoria Davis with five.