Sikeston's formula too much for Eagles 77-43

Sikeston's Terry Jamison leads the fast break against New Madrid County Central on Tuesday night at the Sikeston Field House. Looking on is Sikeston's Keldon Warfield (42) and Kil'Ron Coleman (3) along with NMCC's CJ Chism (34) and Lamonte Nelson (far right). David Jenkins, Staff

SIKESTON -- The Sikeston Bulldogs have a formula that they use which can dismantle opponents very quickly if everything is clicking just right.

The Bulldogs did just that on Tuesday with a 77-43 victory over SEMO Conference foe New Madrid County Central on Senior Night at the Field House.

The Bulldogs used waves of players, pressure defense, tempo and outside shooting to bury the Eagles from the start.

It marks Sikeston's 11th straight victory over the Eagles, including 13 of the last 15 that the two teams have met.

It was a solid way to bounce back after a disappointing road loss to Cape Central on Friday.

"I thought we came out and responded well after Friday night," Sikeston coach Gregg Holifield said. "The kids have really worked hard. I thought we did a good job of sharing the ball and we shot it well tonight. We were stretching their defense with our shooting. We were passing and catching and getting open looks and we knocked down shots."

The Bulldogs drained 11-of-21 (52 percent) from 3-point range, the fifth time they have hit at least that many 3-pointers in a game this season.

They also forced 18 NMCC turnovers, leading to numerous fastbreak opportunities for the Bulldogs.

"Early I thought we did a lot of good things," Holifield said. "We kept pressure on the ball, forced some turnovers and never let them get into a flow offensively."

The Eagles never could get on track on offense, and before they could get settled in, found themselves staring at an 11-0 hole to start the contest.

"I thought we handled the pressure early, but then we'd throw it away in the halfcourt or miss a wide open shot," NMCC coach Travis Day said. "We dug ourselves a hole by not finishing. When you do that against a good team and you don't take advantage of the opportunities you have, then you're going to be down quick."

Sikeston (19-4, 4-3 SEMO Conference) led 20-8 after one quarter and proceeded to put the game out of reach quickly by rattling off 17 straight points to start the second period.

The Bulldogs led 45-20 at the half and outscored the Eagles 22-12 in the third quarter. With Sikeston holding a 67-32 lead, the mercy clock ran the entire fourth to close out the game.

"That's what good teams do, when they got you down they will keep you there and that's what Sikeston did -- they got us in a hole and never let us out of it," Day said. "Sikeston's always going to be a battle for us. (Holifield) uses his depth well to where it wears down our guards. They're great at putting pressure on you and they did that to us tonight."

The Bulldogs had a balanced scoring attack led by junior guard Vashawn Ruffin with 21 points, including 4-6 from 3-point range.

Senior Terry Jamison followed up with 15 points. Seniors Kil'Ron Coleman scored 13 and Keldon Warfield had 11 for the Bulldogs. Fellow senior Caleb McGee finished with eight points.

The Bulldogs shot 26-55 (47 percent) from the field overall and out-rebounded the Eagles 34-21 in the game.

"This speaks well for our team," Holifield said. "I'm really proud of our four seniors who have been a part of some great teams here. For them to go out with their last regular season home game like this is big. I'm just proud for those guys, proud of our team and we just have to work and continue to get better."

The Eagles (8-13, 2-5 SEMO) were led in scoring by senior C.J. Chism's 10 points.

"I want to see who is going to compete for four quarters," Day said. "Win, lose or draw, no matter what, I want to see who's going to battle."

Sikeston will play at Bernie on Friday to close out the regular season. NMCC will host Portageville on Friday in a clash of county rivals.

Junior varsity

The Sikeston J.V. team improved to 16-2 on the season with a 63-24 victory over NMCC.

The Bulldogs forced 27 turnovers in the junior varsity contest to propel the team to victory.

Sikeston led 24-9 after one quarter and held the Eagles scoreless in the second quarter to lead 44-9 by halftime.

Sikeston was led by Reese Porter's 14 points and six rebounds. Jairius Ray had eight points, seven rebounds and five steals. Freshman Zach Jackson also contributed eight points with four assists.

NMCC was led by Vontre Jones with 13 points.

Sikeston 77, NMCC 43

(Varsity boys)

NMCC (43) -- C.J. Chism 10, Chilis Johnson 6, Earl Grissom 6, Willie Jimmerson 6, Lamonte Nelson 5, Armondo Thatch 4, Darrin McGloson 4, Brandon Ray 2. FG 15, FT 7-11, F 17. (3-pointers: Nelson 1, Jimmerson 1. Fouled out: Grissom).

SIKESTON (77) -- Vashawn Ruffin 21, Terry Jamison 15, Kil'Ron Coleman 13, Keldon Warfield 11, J.T. Jones 9, Caleb McGee 8. FG 15, FT 14-20, F 16. (3-pointers: Ruffin 4, Coleman 2, Jamison 2, McGee 2, Jones 1. Fouled out: none).

Sikeston 63, NMCC 24

(Junior varsity)

NMCC (24) -- Vontre Jones 13, T.J. Clark 2, Recco Phillips 2, Damoddre Wilson 2, Asten Newsom 2, Deion Martin 2, Devon Harrell 1. FG 10, FT 4-11, F 16. (3-pointers: none. Fouled out: none).

SIKESTON (63) -- Reese Porter 14, Zach Jackson 8, Jairius Ray 8, Marquise Parks 7, Chris Scott 5, Jeterrence Harris 4, Peyton Boyd 4, Zach Harrison 4, Steven Baker 2, Dantrell Brown 2, Corbyn Blissett 2, Luke Williams 2, Gavin O'Brien 1. FG 20, FT 8-17, F 14. (3-pointers: Porter 2, Scott 1, Parks 1, Ray 1. Fouled out: Porter).