BROSLEY -- Sikeston's girls basketball team had an impressive showing against Twin Rivers Monday night, losing to the traditional area power 40-32.
The Lady Royals improve to 14-2 with the win while Sikeston falls to 10-6.
"We came out to play," said Sikeston coach Lee Brooks. "I was looking for a good game out of the girls and they gave it to me. We played our best game of the season."
Sikeston pulled down a season-high 30 rebounds in the game, and was in a position to win. The Lady Bulldogs outscored Twin Rivers 12-9 in the first quarter and trailed just 28-24 heading into the final frame.
The Lady Royals built a small lead, then dropped into a semi-stall with four minutes left. Sikeston was forced to try and foul its way back into the game, sending Twin Rivers to the free throw line 12 times.
The Lady Royals capitalized on seven of those trips to avoid the upset and hold on for the 40-32 win.
"They won it at the free throw line," explained Brooks. "That was the difference in the game. Coach (Jeff) Walk is a smart coach and he's got a good team. Had he not gone into a stall, I think both he and I knew we were going to win this ballgame."
Amanda Lance led the Lady Royals with 18 points, followed by Racheal Baker with 10. Joy Daniel paced Sikeston with 11, followed by Kerri Jones and Ashley Johnson with seven each. "If we can't get motivated by this game, then something is wrong," said Brooks. "In the 10 years I've been here, (Twin Rivers) has always beaten us by 30 or more. We can build on this."
Sikeston won the junior varsity game, 51-24. Mia Welch led the scoring attack for the Lady Bulldogs with 26 points.
Victoria Davis and Berneatress Hunt each contributed eight. Sikeston will host Oran on Wednesday then will travel to Scott City on Thursday.
BENTON - Kelly pulled into first place in the race for the Scott-Mississippi Conference title on Monday, beating Charleston 70-66.
Christy Kluesner had a banner night for the Lady Hawks, scoring a game-high 27 points. Freshman Kelly Essner also had a big game, finishing with 13.
"It was a very big win for us," said Kelly coach Rod McQuerter, whose team improves to 15-2. "The girls played hard and stuck together. Charleston is a very good team."
Kelly has now defeated Charleston two out of three times this season.
Dre-Elle Mathis led the Lady Bluejays with 26 points. Standout Shay Ward was held to nine.
"The girls stepped up and played well defensively," said McQuerter. "Our seniors led us tonight. Girls like Alana Burford, Shannon Deshaney, Ashley Payne and Bridgett Riley have been positive all year. Defensively, they came ready to play."
Kelly (15-2) will host Woodland on Thursday, while Charleston travels to Oran.
PORTAGEVILLE -- Portageville won its fourth game of the season, beating Hayti 51-44 Monday night.
The Lady Bulldogs were led by Mary Hannah Cross, who hit two 3-pointers and scored 13 points overall. Ashley Brown contributed 11 points.
For Hayti, Toni James led the way with 11. Portageville (4-9) will host Dexter tonight.
MORLEY -- The Bravettes of Scott Central improved to 6-6 Monday, beating reeling New Madrid County Central, 68-53. Janet Penrod led Scott Central with 13 points, followed by Brittany Godwin with 12 and Jennifer Hoots with 11.
Shanika McFarland paced the Lady Eagles with 23.
Scott Central will travel to Dexter on Thursday, while NMCC plays host to Shawnee on Saturday.
CAPE GIRARDEAU -- As expected, Dexter's eight-game winning streak came crashing down Monday night at Notre Dame.
The Lady Bearcats were no match for the No. 2 ranked 2A team in the state, falling 74-30.
Lisa Millham led Notre Dame with 20 points, followed by Deana McCormick with 18. For Dexter, Stephanie Rose, Rachel Blunt and Amy Rose all finished with six points.