C4D1 BOYS: Sikeston makes easy work of Perryville, in 85-28 win

Sikeston's Payton Howard attempts a layup, while Perryville's Dylan Hawkinson (5) defends, in the first round of the Class 4, District 1 Tournament, on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, at Notre Dame Regional High School, in Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Alex Wallner/Standard Democrat

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – The third-seeded Sikeston Bulldogs made quick work of the sixth-seeded Perryville Pirates in the first round of the Class 4, District 1 Tournament on Saturday afternoon at Notre Dame Regional High School.

The Bulldogs went on an 18-0 run that spanned the first and seconds quarters to blow open the game as Sikeston defeated Perryville 85-28 to advance to the semifinals where they will play second-seeded Cape Central at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

“I thought we came out and played very well in the second and third quarters,” Sikeston coach Gregg Holifield said. “We were able to create some turnovers, and that got us some easy buckets. I was pleased with the way we played.”

Sikeston (16-9) forced 29 turnovers against the Pirates (4-21).

The Bulldogs started the game slowly, however, connecting on just three of their first 21 shots and playing the Pirates to a 7-7 tie with a minute left in the first quarter.

Sikeston finished the period on a 9-0 run in the final 50 seconds to lead 16-7.

The Bulldogs continued the run in the second quarter and built a 25-7 lead. Perryville closed the lead to 29-12, but Sikeston finished the half on a 16-0 run. Sikeston led 45-12 at the half.

Sikeston forced 16 turnovers in the first half, including 10 in the second quarter.

The Bulldogs began the second half with another big run, holding a 60-12 lead before the Pirates could muster a field goal.

The run, combined with the finish of the first half, was a 31-0 blitz that put the game well beyond reach. Holifield subbed out his starters after three minutes into the third quarter and rested them the rest of the night.

“I was pleased with our effort and intensity,” Holifield said. “We came out with a focus, and that’s how we have to be every night.”

Sikeston led 72-22 entering the fourth quarter.

Lontas McClinton led a balanced scoring attack with 13 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and four steals.

Payton Howard had 12 points with four assists. Leroy Atkins had 12 points with four steals.

Nick Harrison had nine points and grabbed all 12 of his rebounds in the first half. Clark Steward had four points with seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals.

Sophomore Cleo Taylor had eight points with 11 rebounds and two blocked shots. Kenyon Smith chipped in eight points with five steals.

Now the Bulldogs will set its sights on a Cape Central team that has defeated them twice this season.

“We know it will be a difficult game, so our guys know that they will have to come in with a mindset and a focus in practice the next two days,” Holifield said.

This is just the second time Sikeston has played in quarterfinal round district game in the last 15 years. The last time it happened was in the 2015 district when the Bulldogs played Dexter in the quarterfinal round. Every other year Sikeston received a quarterfinal round bye.

PERRYVILLE (28) – Dylan Hawkinson 9, Dawson Camden 8, Evan Daugherty 3, Matthew Mueller 2, A. Terbak 2, Jacob Schlimpert 2, Aaron Ernst 1, Trey Scruggs 1. FG 11, FT 2-5, 15. (3-pointers: Camden 2, Hawkinson 1, Daugherty 1. Fouled out: Mueller).

SIKESTON (85) – Lontas McClinton 13, Payton Howard 12, Leroy Atkins 12, Nick Harrison 9, Kenyon Smith 8, Cleo Taylor 8, Creighton Sarakas 6, Heath McCain 6, Clark Steward 4, Carson Beaird 4, Gage Rolwing 3. FG 33, FT 11-15, F 9. (3-pointers: Atkins 2, Sarakas 2, McCain 2, Howard 1, Rolwing 1. Fouled out: none).