Sikeston girls run past SCC

Lady Bulldogs improve their record to 5-11

sd_sports@yahoo.com

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- With 4,428 fans on hand for a Sikeston-Scott County Central doubleheader, the Show Me Center was buzzing Wednesday night. In the first matchup of the evening, the Sikeston Lady Bulldogs defeated the Scott County Central Bravettes 52-34.

Playing on their biggest stage so far this season, emotions were running high for both teams.

"It was a very good atmosphere tonight," said Sikeston head coach Homer Jackson. "Our girls were ecstatic all week about playing this game."

The game began in less than desirable fashion for the Bravettes. Offensive woes had SCC playing catch-up from the start. Shooting a dismal 17 percent from the field in the first quarter, the Bravettes managed only five points in the first eight minutes.

Things were also a little shaky at first for the Lady Bulldogs. Despite holding a five point lead after one quarter, Jackson felt his team could've played better.

"I think the first few minutes everybody was playing off adrenaline and playing at a different speed," Jackson said. "After a while things started to settle down and we started playing better."

The Lady Bulldogs were able to put together their strongest offensive quarter of the night in the second quarter, putting 19 points on the scoreboard.

Meanwhile, there was little improvement for the Bravettes. Despite doubling their first quarter point total, SCC still managed to shoot only 33 percent from the field in the second quarter. Heading into the second half, Sikeston led 29-15.

The second half consisted of more of the same from both teams. Sikeston's defense was able to limit the Bravettes' shot attempts, holding SCC to only six points in the third quarter while scoring 14 points of their own and extending their lead.

After three quarters, the Lady Bulldogs held a commanding 43-21 lead.

The Bravettes were finally able to outscore the Lady Bulldogs in the final quarter, however, it was too little, too late. Sikeston was able to hold onto their large lead and defeat the Bravettes.

Sikeston was led by Asia Liggins, who scored a game-high 14 points and pulled down 13 rebounds. Markita Mosley led SCC with 12 points. Daisy Gillespie had a strong rebounding performance for the Bravettes, grabbing 16 boards in the contest.

The Bravettes fell to 1-7 on the season while the Lady Bulldogs improved to 5-11.

Sikeston will face rival Charleston tomorrow night at Charleston.

"If we can take the same enthusiasm we had tonight into our next game I think it will be a big help for us," Jackson said.

Scott Central 5 10 6 13 -- 34

Sikeston 10 19 14 9 -- 52

SCOTT COUNTY CENTRAL (34) -- Katie Ruedrich 8, Denise McClinton 4, Daisy Gillespie 6, Ambert Fritz 2, Markita Mosley 12, Kathy Brown 2. FG 15 FT 3-4 F 15. (3-pointers: Mosley. Fouled out: Mosley.)

SIKESTON (52) -- Tyanne Townsend 4, Keyonna Blissett 4, Darquesha Howard 4, Aleah Little 3, Asia Liggins 14, Tyangela Gibson 2, Shaela Draper 2, Jerrica Taylor 6, Taneshia Pulley 7, Janai Ivory 4, Kathryn Hay 2. FG 24 FT 4-9 F 4. (3-pointers: none. Fouled out: none.)