sports@standard-democrat.com
SIKESTON -- The Sikeston seventh and eighth grade basketball teams split with Cape Central on Wednesday at the Sikeston Junior High School.
In the eighth grade game, Sikeston won a battle of undefeated teams, holding off Cape Central 54-43 while the Sikeston seventh graders lost 57-26 to Cape Central.
In the eighth grade game, Sikeston carried a 23-22 lead into halftime but had a huge third quarter, outscoring the Tigers 22-8 in the period to open up a 45-30 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
"This was a great win for our team against a very talented Cape Central squad," Sikeston coach Derek James said. "We had some early foul trouble but I was really proud of the boys with the way they persevered and overcame adversity. The team had such great energy and fought to win this game. Our bench guys were into the game and fired up and that's what I love to see."
Sikeston was led by Payton Howard's 22 points. Nick Harrison and Clark Steward each had 14 points.
Sikeston improves to 9-0 on the season. The eighth graders won't play again until Jan. 7 in a rematch at Cape Central.
In the seventh grade game, Sikeston trailed 38-13 at the half and never recovered.
Sikeston was led by Marquis Johnson's eight points and Quentin Anthony's seven points.
Sikeston's seventh grade team finished its season 2-9.
Cape Central 12 10 8 13 -- 43
Sikeston 12 11 22 9 -- 54
CAPE CENTRAL (43)-- Holbert 19, Triplett 10, Franklin 6, Reddin 5, Dunn 3. FG 17, FT 3-10, F 12. (3-pointers: Reddin 1, Dunn 1. Fouled out: none).
SIKESTON (54) -- Payton Howard 22, Nick Harrison 14, Clark Steward 14, Hayden Alcorn 3, Gage Rolwing 1. FG 17, FT 8-14, F 11. (3-pointers: Howard 2, Steward 1, Alcorn 1. Fouled out: none).
Cape Central 14 24 11 8 -- 57
Sikeston 6 7 6 7 -- 26
CAPE CENTRAL (57) -- Mackins 17, Crosnoe 11, Johnson 9, Triplett 7, Wigfall 5, Lively 4, Lawrence 2, Stokes 2. FG 25, FT 7-12, F 10. (3-pointers: none. Fouled out: none).
SIKESTON (26) -- Marquis Johnson 8, Quentin Anthony 7, Jack Bell 3, Leroy Atkins 2, Kolby Meadows 2, Jaheam English 2, Vashawn Upchurch 2. FG 12, FT 2-5, F 14. (3-pointers: none. Fouled out: none).