SJHS eighth graders lose first game of season

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- The Sikeston 8th grade basketball team lost its first game of the season on Wednesday with a defeat at the hands of Cape Central in the Cape Central Eighth Grade Tournament.

Sikeston came into the game undefeated and seeded first in the tournament after having dispatched of Cape Central twice this season by lopsided scores.

But the third time was the charm for Cape Central as they defeated the Bulldogs 32-29.

Sikeston falls to 9-1 on the season.

"We just didn't come to play," said Sikeston coach Kevin Self. "We didn't play like we're capable of playing. We just couldn't get any shots to fall. Nothing would fall. They packed in a little zone and we didn't hit any perimeter shots. Cape played well and their kids worked hard. I think we overlooked them. Hopefully our kids will learn something from this. You can't overlook anybody, I don't care how many times you beat them."

Sikeston trailed the whole game. They were down 7-4 after the first quarter and 15-10 at halftime. They still trailed 22-18 heading into the fourth quarter.

Sikeston was led by Jaqualin Wiggins' 10 points. Eli Jackson had eight points and Niquavious Dixon had six points.

Sikeston will play Jackson in the tournament tonight at 6 p.m. at the Cape Central Junior High.