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Sikeston Standard Democrat

Fighting chance (06/10/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com CHARLESTON -- A bloop single just over the diving glove of the Charleston Squirrels second baseman Jared Walker scored two runs for the Festus American Legion Post 253 baseball team. The hit, perfectly placed in no-mans land, also put the Squirrels into a 1-run hole in the...

SuperDogs (06/05/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Describing his role as Sikeston's relay anchor, senior Nick Nichols began to quote Spiderman. "With great power, comes great..." he tried to get out before cracking up. He's teammates barreled over too. Having fun and cracking jokes for Sikeston's three-time state championship relay team almost takes precedent over actually winning a race...

Tri-County takes down Bernie, Scott Co. gets swept (06/04/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com RISCO -- The Tri-County summer baseball team, consisting of Risco, Gideon and Clarkton players, won and tied during a doubleheader against Campbell and Bernie Monday. In the first game, Tri-County tied 9-9 with Campbell in eight innings. Ace Armstrong threw all eight innings striking out eight. He also led Tri-County with three hits and three RBIs...

Third place (06/01/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com O'FALLON -- Just when it looked like the New Madrid County Central Eagles were ready to claim third-place outright in Class 3 championship tournament, mother nature put an abrupt halt to their season. Matched up against Hallsville in Friday's third-place game, the two teams were called off the field due to weather shortly after it started. ...

Gross signs with Missouri Valley (06/01/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com MARSHALL -- He's not recognized as an imposing football figure. His height alone doesn't drum up thoughts about a player who has been a cog in the area's leading defensive machine the past three seasons, but Kyland Gross hangs his hat on his willingness to work...

Dream over (05/31/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com O'FALLON -- There will be no magical ending to New Madrid County Central's improbable postseason run to the Class 3 final four. Having already advanced further than any team in school history the Eagles saw their championship hopes dashed Thursday in a 5-0 loss to Springfield Catholic in the semifinals...

State champs (05/28/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com JEFFERSON CITY -- After the final day of the Class 3 state track meet, the Sikeston boys came away with two state championships and a fifth place finish. The 4x100 and 4x200 team of Steven Baker, Spenser Clark, Kyland Gross and Nick Nichols won both speed relay championships. ...

Oran-Sturgeon semifinal postponed (05/28/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com O'FALLON -- The Oran Eagles will have to wait one more day to start their quest for a state championship. The Class 1 semifinal baseball game between Oran and Sturgeon was postponed until today at 10 a.m. at T.R. Hughes Ballpark in O'Fallon...

Soaring (05/24/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com NEW MADRID -- After dropping five of their last six regular season games, few expected the New Madrid County Central Eagles to be relevant in their district, much less the Class 2 championship tournament. Somehow finding a new hero each day, however, the Eagles came into Thursday's quarterfinal matchup with St. Pius X just one win away from advancing to their first final four appearance in school history...

Sikeston boys track team primed for run at state meet (05/24/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com JEFFERSON CITY -- Finishing with a state championship in one event last year, the Sikeston boys track team would like nothing more than to repeat that performance. Unless of course it meant finishing with a team championship...

Just another win (05/23/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com ORAN -- There was no jumping, no dog pile on the mound or even smiling. Nowadays, the Oran Eagles are going by the old adage, "Act like you've been here before." Because they have. Three times in a row now. Wednesday, Oran defeated Naylor 9-1 during the Class 1 quarterfinal at Oran High School to earn their third-straight final four berth...

Red Devils brought down by Holcomb 5-2 (05/23/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com HOLCOMB -- All season long the Chaffee Red Devils have built their success on stellar pitching and a rock solid defense. Unfortunately mistakes in both departments cost them dearly Wednesday as their season came to a close in a 5-2 loss to Holcomb in the Class 2 quarterfinals...

History made (05/21/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com NEW MADRID -- No one expected this. Spearheaded by ace pitcher Jashawn McDaniel and a newfound potent offense, the New Madrid County Central Eagles (14-14) are headed to the quarterfinals after taking down Scott City Monday during the Class 3 sectional baseball game at New Madrid...

Bringing the Payne: Chaffee's ace shuts out Valle 2-0 (05/21/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com CHAFFEE -- Going into Monday's Class 2 sectional matchup against Valle, Chaffee head coach Brian Horrell knew his team wouldn't stand much of a chance if things turned into a slugfest. What he got was another gem from staff ace Cody Payne while the Red Devils came through in all three facets of the game to pull out a 2-0 win over the Warriors to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2001...

Bluejays take third place at state meet (05/20/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com JEFFERSON CITY -- Despite low numbers, the Charleston boys track team finished third in the Class 2 state meet Saturday on the campus of Lincoln University in Jefferson City. "This caps off a successful season for us," Charleston track coach Brett Blackman said. "We won four invitationals this year and our kids focused on being state champions. They came close."...

NMCC, Scott City face off in Class 3 sectional (05/18/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com NEW MADRID -- There's reason to celebrate New Madrid County Central's newfound district baseball championship. It was the first plaque raised by someone in an Eagle jersey in the last 19 years and they did it by thoroughly dismantling the top-seeded team in their district. ...

Red Devils to meet old foe Valle (05/18/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com CHAFFEE -- After securing their first district title since 2010, the Chaffee Red Devils now find themselves matched up against a old postseason foe in Valle Catholic as they get set for Monday's Class 2 sectional contest...

Charleston, Kelly have strong showing at state (05/18/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com JEFFERSON CITY -- Kelly triple jumper Dalton Huffman took second during the Class 2 state track and field championships Friday at Dwight T. Reed Stadium on the campus of Lincoln University in Jefferson City. Huffman had a leap of 44-feet, 3-inches. He fell to Malden's Romello McCoy who had a state championship jump of 46-9 1/4...

Simply qualify (05/17/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com ST. LOUIS -- The name of the game for Sikeston is qualify. There's no plaques or medals to give out this time around and all the Sikeston track team wants to do is finish in the top four during the Class 3, Sectional 1 track meet Saturday at Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day (MICDS) High School...

Charleston track team hoping to bring home medals at state (05/17/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com JEFFERSON CITY -- Starting today kids from all around the state will descend upon Dwight T. Reed Stadium in Jefferson City for the Class 1 and 2 track and field championships. As usual, southeast Missouri will be well represented...

Devastation (05/16/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com CAPE GIRARDEAU -- With the staff ace on the mound needing three outs to win a district championship, Sikeston was probably feeling pretty good about itself in Wednesday's Class 4, District 1 title game against Notre Dame...

Still got it (05/14/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Sikeston's Doug Still was faced with a dilemma entering the 2013 baseball season. Girls? Or Baseball? Luckily for the Bulldogs, he chose the later. The junior had 10 strikeouts in six innings on the mound as the Sikeston Bulldogs defeated Kennett 3-0 Monday during the semifinals of the Class 4, District 1 tournament at Notre Dame High School in Cape Girardeau...

Wheeler tied for 8th after Day 1 of state golf meet (05/14/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SEDALIA -- The remaining three members of the Sikeston golf team wrapped up their first day of the Class 3 state golf tournament on Monday at the Sedalia Country Club. Finishing the highest of the three was Gabe Wheeler. The sophomore is among five golfers who tied for eighth in the tournament with scores of 75...

Oran, Chaffee reach district championship (05/14/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com ORAN -- With a combined one-hit allowed from pitchers Seth Ressel and Hunter Schlosser against Scott County Central Monday, the Oran Eagles find themselves back in the Class 1, District 2 title game. The defending champions rattled off eight hits to take down Scott Central 11-1 in six innings on the mercy-rule in the tournament semifinals...

Season comes to an end for Lady Bulldogs (05/14/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com CAPE GIRARDEAU -- After facing Cape Central three times during the regular season, the Sikeston Lady Bulldogs knew full well how dangerous Lady Tiger sophomore Abby Shupert was in a tight ball game. What they couldn't expect was Shupert would save her best game for last as she completed a hat trick performance with two second half goals to down the Lady Bulldogs 3-2 Monday in the opening round of the Class 2, District 1 tournament...

District winners (05/13/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com BONNE TERRE -- After three straight years of close second place finishes in the Class 3, District 1 track and field meet, the Sikeston Bulldogs broke the streak to claim its first district championship since 2009 on a cool, windy Saturday at North County High School...

Kelly, Charleston advance to semifinals (05/13/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com CHARLESTON -- At the time, four runs in the top of the seventh inning was just icing on the cake on a win for the Kelly Hawks. As it would turn out, the initial insurance runs proved to be the difference as the Hawks escaped with a 7-4 upset win over third-seeded East Prairie Saturday during the first round of the Class 3, District 2 tournament at Hillhouse Park in Charleston...

Offense propels Eagles forward in Class 3, District 1 tournament (05/13/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com MALDEN -- Despite surrendering a pair of first inning runs to Caruthersville on Saturday the New Madrid County Central Eagles were more than able to make up for any mistakes with their bats. Combining for nine hits, the Eagles came back to take the lead in the home half of the frame before rolling to a 14-4 mercy-rule win in the opening round of the Class 3, District 1 tournament...

Journey to state (05/11/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SEDALIA -- Three golfers head into Monday's Class 3 state tournament on three different paths. One hopes to continue his consistent stretch. The other goes in with a purpose of proving himself. The third, he simply wants to have a good showing...

Lady Bulldogs set for district tournament (05/11/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- If there's one thing the Sikeston Lady Bulldogs have on their side as they enter the upcoming Class 2, District 1 tournament, its the numbers against opening round opponent Cape Central. In two of their three regular season contests it was Sikeston coming away with a win...

Six Sikeston players named all-conference (05/11/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Six Sikeston Bulldogs baseball players were named to the SEMO All-Conference team. Pitcher Trey Tigart and infielder Cord Sheehy were named to the first team. Jarett Sandlin, Gavin O'Brien, Colton Black and Josh Hampton were all named as honorable mention selections...

Sikeston track begins postseason Saturday at North County (05/10/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com BONNE TERRE -- Winning a district championship is always nice, but when it comes to this stage inside the world of track and field, placing in the top four is what everyone strives for. Starting Saturday, the Sikeston Bulldogs track team will begin their quest for a state championship...

Quest for title (05/10/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- For most of the area's baseball team a years worth of blood, sweat and tears will all come down to the weekend as district play opens up around the state. Tiny mistakes that might go unnoticed during the regular season will suddenly be amplified as each game potentially could be your last...

Dramatic finish highlights Lady Bulldogs' finale (05/10/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com FREDERICKTOWN -- Ending the regular season in dramatic fashion, the Sikeston Lady Bulldogs defeated host Fredericktown 3-2 on penalty kicks Thursday in Fredericktown. Madison Chaney had both of the Lady Bulldogs goals in regulation to force an overtime where neither team found the net...

Oran coach Mitch Wood to step down after season (05/10/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com ORAN -- After 21 seasons Oran's head baseball coach has decided to step down. Mitch Wood, who is also the school's superintendent, made it public Thursday during a pregame radio interview that he will not come back as the head coach of the Eagles following this season...

Bombs away (05/09/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com NEW MADRID -- In their final tuneup before the postseason, the Sikeston Bulldogs kept the hits coming against New Madrid County Central Wednesday as the Eagles celebrated senior night. Just one day after securing a walk-off win in their home finale, the Bulldogs got a clutch three-run home run from cleanup hitter Drew Harper that propelled them to a 10-2 decision, pushing their winning streak to five games...

Oran takes down Poplar Bluff 8-6 (05/09/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com ORAN -- Seth Ressel picked up his sixth win of the year and the Oran Eagles defeated Poplar Bluff Wednesday 8-6. Although they were out-hit 11-9, Oran managed to grab an early 7-2 lead after the first four innings. The Mules bounced back, however, with four runs in the fifth cutting Oran's lead to just one run...

Chased down (05/03/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com ORAN -- The Oran Eagles found themselves fighting from behind Thursday afternoon after visiting New Madrid County Central jumped out to an early three-run lead. After rallying back to tie things up, however, Oran used a clutch one-out hit from senior Kody Moore in their final trip to the plate to guide them to a 4-3 win...

Bulldogs blast St. Marys 7-1 on the road (05/03/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com PADUCAH, Ky. -- Pitching continues to be the Sikeston Bulldogs greatest asset as Jarett Sandlin produced yet another solid outing for the Bulldogs Thursday against St. Marys in Paducah, Ky. Sandlin struck out 10 batters in his complete game effort as Sikeston rolled to a 7-1 win...

Sikeston soccer falls to Jackson, NMCC finishes season with win (05/03/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com JACKSON -- The Sikeston Lady Bulldogs fell to the Jackson Indians 4-1 Thursday in Jackson. Madison Chaney scored Sikeston's lone goal in the 30th minute following an assist from Tori Helms. Chaney's goal came after Jackson built a lofty 3-0 lead earlier in the first half...

SEMO North Conference (05/02/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- The Sikeston Bulldogs track team took second and third during the SEMO North Conference championship Wednesday at Sikeston High School. The Jackson Indians swept both the boys and girls competition to lay claim as conference champions...

Sikeston nabs third over Notre Dame (05/02/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com CAPE GIRARDEAU -- They may have been out of the championship hunt, but the Sikeston Bulldogs still had something to fight for Wednesday as they took on Notre Dame in the third place game of the SEMO Conference Tournament at Notre Dame High School...

Bulldog netters fall 5-4, Malden steals one from Portageville (05/02/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com POPLAR BLUFF -- The Sikeston Bulldogs fell 5-4 on the road to the Poplar Bluff Mules. Layton Jones, Christian Rehder and Jimmy Hines each picked up wins in singles competition with the pairing on Jones and Rehder also winning their doubles match...

Moving on (04/30/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Quality at-bats can sometimes be the biggest difference maker. The Sikeston Bulldogs' plate persistence landed them a five-run inning which was the eventual difference maker Monday as they defeated Kennett 10-6 during the first round of the SEMO Conference Tournament at VFW Memorial Stadium in Sikeston...

SEMO North junior high conference meet (04/30/13)

Hoggatt tops district field, Bulldogs advance to sectional (04/30/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com FARMINGTON -- Kirk Hoggatt topped all golfers with a 76 and the Sikeston Bulldogs golf team finished second during the Class 3, District 1 tournament Monday at Crown Pointe Golf Club in Farmington. Sikeston finished with a team score of 339 advancing them to Sectionals...

Lady Devils take SEMO South crown for fifth time (04/30/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com CHAFFEE -- The Chaffee Lady Red Devils once again proved their dominance over conference opponents on Monday at this year's SEMO South Conference track meet. For the fifth straight year it was the Lady Devils coming out on top despite a strong push from the Oran Lady Eagles...

Portageville's Daniel Allen signs with Central Methodist (04/27/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com PORTAGEVILLE -- After leading the Portageville Bulldogs to a massive turnaround in his senior season, running back Daniel Allen has chosen to continue playing at the next level. This past week, Allen signed his letter of intent to play football at Central Methodist University...

Ruffin picks SWIC (04/27/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- The winningest guard in Sikeston basketball history is headed to the next level. Sikeston senior Vashawn Ruffin recently signed a letter of intent to play basketball for Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, Ill...

Sikeston golfers tee off in district meet Monday (04/27/13)
FARMINGTON -- The Sikeston Bulldogs golf team will begin the Class 3, District 1 tournament Monday at Crown Pointe Golf Course in Farmington. The top 25 individual players advance to the state finals while the top two best team scores will advance as a team...

SEMO Conference baseball postponed due to weather (04/27/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- The first round of the SEMO Conference baseball tournament has been postponed until Monday due to inclement weather. The original Friday schedule will still apply to all first round games which include (5)Kennett v. (4)Sikeston at VFW Memorial Stadium in Sikeston at 4:30 p.m. on Monday...

Trucked (04/26/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- It took just 45 seconds into Thursday's contest against Marion, Ill., for the Sikeston Lady Bulldogs to find out how lethal Lady Wildcats' junior Emily Dickman can be. Dickman found the net in the first minute of the game before providing Marion with a hat trick performance at they handed Sikeston their second loss in the last three days, 5-1...

Lady Eagles top Bernie, Chaffee rolls past Saxony (04/26/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com NEW MADRID -- The New Madrid County Central Lady Eagles lit up the scoreboard in the fourth inning to put away the visiting Bernie Lady Mules Thursday, 11-5. The Lady Eagles posted six runs in the fourth to take a 7-1 lead. They scored one more run in the fifth and capped the game with three in the sixth...

Sikeston netters fall to Dexter (04/25/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- The Sikeston Bulldogs fell 9-0 to the visiting Dexter Bearcats on Wednesday. Two of the afternoon's six single pairings ended up in 8-0 shutouts while Christian Rehder came closest to a win. He fell to Kyle Willis 8-6...

Runaway (04/23/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com NEW MADRID -- In what could easily be the prelude to a SEMO Conference Tournament matchup this weekend, the Notre Dame Bulldogs visited New Madrid County Central on Monday. Racking up 14 hits, the Bulldogs took an early two-run lead on the Eagles before running away in the later innings to a 12-0 final...

Bulldogs fall to Carbondale (04/23/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- The Sikeston Bulldogs tennis team were on the short end of a 9-0 decision to visiting Carbondale, Ill., Monday at the Sikeston tennis courts. Sikeston's best chance at getting a victory was behind their No. 1 player, Layton Jones, who fell 8-5 to Carbondale's Raheem Butt...

Kelly Hawks golf team wins own Invitational (04/23/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com CAPE GIRARDEAU -- The Kelly Hawks golf team won their own Kelly Invitational Monday at the Cape Jaycee Municipal Golf Course in Cape Girardeau. Kelly, who have won this tournament for the first two years of its existence, finished with a team score of 367 topping seven other teams in the tournament...

Ressel, Oran squeak out win over Triad, Swarm takes Best Buy title (04/22/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com CAPE GIRARDEAU -- It took eight innings, but Seth Ressel and the Oran Eagles got the job done. Ressel scored the game's winning run in the top of the eighth and also pitched the full eight innings to earn the win on the mound against Triad, Ill., during the Notre Dame Showcase at Notre Dame High School in Cape Girardeau...

No-show (04/20/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Though the Oran Eagles were able to hold Helias at bay most of the afternoon Friday they couldn't match the performance of Crusader starter Trevor Schnieders. Pitching the first no-hitter of his high school career, Schnieders allowed only three walks while striking out six as his team rallied late for a 5-0 win...

Bedeviled (04/18/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com CHARLESTON -- Chaffee's bats were out in full force Wednesday when the Red Devils hit the road to take on the Charleston Bluejays. Combining for 14 hits as a team, Chaffee opened up the game with a two-run rally before winning by a 14-2 final in five innings on the mercy rule...

Bulldogs take Festus crown (04/18/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com FARMINGTON -- The Sikeston golf team won first place at the Festus Invitational Wednesday at Crown Pointe Golf Club in Farmington. The Bulldogs totaled a 323 as a team and was led by Kirk Hoggatt, who shot a 74. Hoggatt finished second individually...

Eagles grounded (04/16/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com NEW MADRID -- Holding visiting Kennett to a one-run game through four innings of play, the New Madrid County Central Eagles saw things quickly turn south in a fifth inning they'd like to forget. Marred by defensive errors and problems on the mound, the Eagles surrendered 10 runs in that fateful frame, resulting in a 14-3 mercy-rule loss that leaves them winless in SEMO Conference play...

Tigart, Bulldogs blank Marion (04/16/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com MARION, Ill., -- Trey Tigart pitched a complete game shutout and the Sikeston Bulldogs defeated Marion, Ill., 6-0 Monday on the road. Tigart, who is 2-2 on the mound so far this season, allowed four hits while hitting a batter and walking another. He also struck out five...

Sikeston drops match to Mules, 7-2 (04/16/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- The Sikeston Bulldogs tennis team fell 7-2 to visiting Poplar Bluff Monday at the Sikeston Public Tennis Courts at Sikeston High School. Sikeston's two wins came from their No. 1 and 2 players -- Layton Jones and Christian Rehder in singles play...

Sikeston finishes sixth at Jackson invitational (04/16/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com JACKSON -- The Sikeston Bulldogs golf team finished sixth at the Jackson Invitational golf tournament Monday at Kimbeland Country Club. Sikeston, who scored a 329, was paced by Kirk Hoggatt's 74 which was good enough to place him tied for sixth throughout the field...

Happy Gilmore (04/13/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com BENTON -- After surrendering a combined 29 runs in their last three games, the East Prairie Eagles were in need of a solid pitching performance Friday as they looked to right the ship against Kelly. What they got was a complete game, two-hit effort from sophomore Tyler Gilmore to guide the Eagles to a 5-2 win over the Hawks on the opening day of the Charleston Lucky 13 Classic wood bat tournament...

Pitching leads way as Sikeston mows down Winfield on road (04/13/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com MAYFIELD, Ken. -- Pitching once again led the way for the Sikeston Bulldogs. Drew Harper struck out 13 batters and Jarett Sandlin pitched a flawless seventh inning save as the Bulldogs defeated Winfield 3-1 at Mid-Continent University in Mayfield, Ken., as part of the Graves County Wood Bat Tournament...

Sikeston's jayvee remains unbeaten after 7-4 victory over visting Kennett (04/13/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Their undefeated streak continues. Sikeston's junior varsity baseball team defeated the Kennett Indians Friday at VFW Memorial Stadium 7-4 for their seventh straight victory of the season. Sebastian Matos got the win on the mound for Sikeston after a complete game effort. ...

Sikeston's Greer to play volleyball at Southwestern Illinois College (04/12/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- She set records with the Sikeston Lady Bulldogs and now, Trenice Greer will be taking her powerful arm and volleyball skills to the next level. Greer recently signed a letter of intent to play volleyball for Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville, Ill...

Childress, McGloson both sign with Lewis and Clark (04/12/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com NEW MADRID -- When New Madrid County Central fell in the Class 3, District 1 Championship game this past season it would have been fair to presume star seniors Benesha Childress and Karen McGloson had played their last game together...

Chaney, Lady Bulldogs pull off rally to defeat Harrisburg 3-1 (04/11/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- For the first time in quite a few games the Sikeston Lady Bulldogs found themselves trailing early Wednesday against Harrisburg, Ill. Kicking off a rally in the final minutes of the first half, however, the Lady Bulldogs went on to score three unanswered goals while holding off Harrisburg for a 3-1 win...

Hit barrage (04/11/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- It's no secret that Sikeston's pitching staff has been the strength of the team so far this season while the team's offense has been plagued by inconsistency. But as the spring weather has warmed up this week, so too have the Bulldog bats as they rallied to defeat Kennett 14-4 in six innings on Wednesday at VFW Stadium...

Sikeston netters fall to Dexter 8-1, Oran routs SCC (04/11/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com DEXTER -- The Sikeston tennis team lost 8-1 to Dexter on the road. Their one win came in doubles play when Christian Rehder and Wade Gadberry teamed for a 9-7 win over Dexter's Noah Kronk and Joseph Greer. "As a team, the outcome was not good for us today against a good Dexter team," Sikeston tennis coach Russ Dial said. ...

Throwing Trey's (04/09/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Trey Tigart finally has the monkey off his back. After two outings at home and nothing but two losses to show for it, the ace of Sikeston's pitching staff put one in the win column Monday against Dexter helping his Bulldogs to a 4-1 victory...

Chaney gets hat trick, Sikeston blanks Massac Co. 4-0 (04/09/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- It may have took them awhile to get started Monday, but once the Sikeston Lady Bulldogs got going they were hard to stop. Led by Madison Chaney's hat trick, Sikeston routed visiting Massac County, Ill., 4-0 to push over the .500 mark on the season...

Sikeston takes fifth at Poplar Bluff Invitational (04/09/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com POPLAR BLUFF -- The Sikeston Bulldogs golf team finished fifth at the Poplar Bluff Invitational tournament Monday at Westwood Hills Country Club in Poplar Bluff. Sikeston scored a 326 and was led by Gabe Wheeler's 74. Wheeler tied for third individually while Kirk Hoggatt tied for 10th with a 79...

Sikeston takes second at Jackson Invite (04/08/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com JACKSON -- The Sikeston Bulldogs boys track team finished second at the Jackson Invitational on Saturday. The boys scored a 94 as a team falling just behind boys winner Mount Vernon, Ill., who scored 107.5. The Sikeston girls topped out at eighth with a score of 38. The Dexter girls finished 10th with 34...

SHS netters drop match to Farmington (04/05/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- The Sikeston Bulldogs tennis team lost a home match to Farmington Thursday afternoon 7-2. "Farmington had the best No. 1 (player) we have played this season thus far," Sikeston head coach Russ Dial said, referring to Farmington's United States Tennis Association Junior player Ian Powers. "So, our No. 1's performance was better than the score indicated."...

Sixth inning magic lifts Scott City over Bearcats 8-5 (04/05/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com DEXTER -- For the second time in as many days, the Scott City Rams used a little sixth-inning magic Thursday to overcome a sluggish start. Trailing by a pair of runs late in the contest, the Rams got a key double from their cleanup hitter, Ryan Fortner, to ignite a five-run rally that propelled them to an 8-5 win over the Dexter Bearcats...

Bulldogs rout Knights on the road (04/05/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com FARMINGTON -- The Sikeston Bulldogs shut out the Farmington Knights Thursday on the road in Farmington 11-0 in five innings. Cord Sheehy got the win on the mound for Sikeston throwing a complete game while striking out five, walking one and hitting one batter...

Tigers down Delta C-7 (04/05/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com RISCO -- The Risco Tigers rallied around an unfortunate accident Thursday afternoon over visiting Delta C-7. An early morning car crash involving a Risco counselor and senior sponsor provided the Tigers with extra motivation to pull out a 12-3 win. The person involved in the crash, who was flown to St. Louis, is expected to survive...

Ram Tough (04/04/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SCOTT CITY -- After grounding out in his first two at-bats against Oran Wednesday, Scott City senior Levi Pettit stepped to the plate in the bottom of the sixth inning with the chance to put his team on top. The result was an RBI single that broke up a pitchers' duel and propelled the Rams to a 2-1 win in the process...

On the offensive (04/02/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com BENTON -- Despite surrendering an early four-run lead to Woodland Monday, the Kelly Hawks still found a way to notch their second win of the young season with their biggest offensive performance to date. Combing for eight hits and highlighted by home runs from Gabe Felter and Aaron Grainger the Hawks held off a late Cardinals rally for a 14-10 win that snapped a two-game losing streak...

Bulldogs take fifth at ND Invite (04/02/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com CAPE GIRARDEAU -- The Sikeston golf team finished fifth as a team during the Notre Dame Invitational Tournament Monday at Bent Creek Golf Course in Cape Girardeau. Sikeston ended the day with a team score of 333. Jackson won the event with a 319. Notre Dame (320), Cape Central (327) and Poplar Bluff (330) round out the top five...

Bulldogs take two over the weekend (04/01/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com MURRAY, Ky. -- The Sikeston Bulldogs were blessed with stellar pitching over the weekend during their annual trip across the river to take part in the Reidland Invitational Tournament on Saturday at Calloway County High School in Kentucky...

First Swarm (03/30/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- High school basketball players dream of signing with a college program to continue their basketball careers and get an education while doing so. The SEMO Swarm offers an avenue for that wish to come true. The SEMO Swarm is a collection of some of the best high school junior and sophomore basketball players in the area playing as part of the popular Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) summer basketball organization...

Lady Bulldogs make fourth academic all-state team (03/30/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- For the fourth year in a row, the Sikeston Lady Bulldogs softball team proved once again they are the true definition of student-athletes. The varsity team, which consists of, Kirsten Baker, Madison Chaney, Sarah Dixon, Kayla Fodge, Bayleah James, Sydney King, Annie Ramey, Maggie Shepherd, Paige Sailors, Madison Smith, Natalie Regenold and Hannah Placek, made academic all-state first team which means they had a team grade point average of 3.5...

Reidland cancellations (03/30/13)

Charleston boys win 3rd annual Eva G. Hinshaw Invitational (03/29/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com EAST PRAIRIE -- The Charleston Bluejays boys track team took first place honors during the 3rd annual Eva G. Hinshaw Track and Field Invitational Thursday. The Bluejays topped 12 other schools in one of the biggest meets in the area with a final score of 141.5. East Prairie finished second with 93 points and Malden came in third with 88...

Oran puts Charleston away late (03/29/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com CHARLESTON -- The Oran Eagles put away the Charleston Bluejays late Thursday during a 10-1 Eagle win at Hillhouse Park in Charleston. Oran (3-1) lead just 2-1 after the first four innings but scored two runs in the fifth, one in the sixth and five more in the seventh to give them the comfortable win...

Rebound win (03/29/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Just one day after getting shutout by Notre Dame, the Sikeston Lady Bulldogs came out of their offensive rut in time for Thursday's game against Ann-Jonesboro, Ill. Led by a two-goal effort from freshman Torrie Helmes the Lady Bulldogs held off a late push by the Lady Wildcats for a 2-1 win that leaves them just one game under the .500 mark on the season...

Sikeston track takes down Cape Central (03/29/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com CAPE GIRARDEAU -- After a dual meet at Cape Central High School, the Sikeston boys team defeated the Tigers 90-46 while the girls tied 63-63 on Wednesday. "Not a bad day for the boys," Sikeston head coach Terry Flannigan said. "Still no in real good shape at this time, but we will get much better before all things are said and done. I'm pleased with the effort and attitude of our group."...

Bulldog netters drop match to ND, NMCC tops Pirates with dramatic win (03/28/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Despite a couple of big wins in singles competition, the Sikeston Bulldogs tennis team fell 7-2 on the road to Notre Dame Wednesday. Two of Sikeston's top three seeded players, Layton Jones and Wade Gadberry, won their matches in a best-of-three-set format. Christian Rehder was able to split the first two sets with his opponent Byron Reeves, but ultimately fell 10-8 in the final set...

Bearcats get much-needed work in 17-0 rout over East Prairie (03/28/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com EAST PRAIRIE -- After seeing Monday's scheduled contest against West Plains get cancelled, the Dexter Bearcats were eager to log some innings before this weekend's doubleheader at Cape Central. Finding a willing partner in East Prairie, the Bearcats hit the road Wednesday where they collected a 17-0 win over the Eagles in six innings via the run-rule...

Doubleheader premiere (03/25/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- The Sikeston Bulldogs baseball team's 2012-13 season opener didn't pan out the way they wanted it to, but they avenged their first loss with their first win just hours after. During the first game of a doubleheader Saturday, the Bulldogs fell to the visiting Jackson Indians 3-2 at VFW Memorial Stadium. Sikeston (1-1) bounced back to defeat Twin Rivers 1-0 later in the day...

Bluejays lose both in DH, Red Devils take two from Bell City (03/25/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com CHARLESTON -- The Charleston Bluejays were left still searching for their first win after a pair of losses Saturday at Hillhouse Park in Charleston. Opening the doubleheader, the Bluejays fell 14-0 to Herculaneum with starting pitcher Trey Watkins taking the loss, but also providing Charleston with it's only hit...

'Forck' in the road (03/22/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com BENTON -- For his team's first game of the season, Kelly head coach Josh Eftink turned to senior Brent Forck to take the mound against New Madrid County Central. Forck rewarded the Hawks with six innings of shutout ball Thursday as Kelly took down the Eagles, 10-0, in sixth innings on the mercy rule...

SHS falls in OT, Oran and Risco both roll (03/22/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com CAPE GIRARDEAU -- The Sikeston Lady Bulldogs soccer team lost a heartbreaker Thursday during the first day of the Noon Optimist Tournament at Cape Central High School 2-1 in overtime against St. Vincent. Eight minutes into the overtime, St. Vincent punched in the winning goal...

Sikeston takes second at home quad match (03/22/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- The Sikeston Bulldogs golf team finished second in their own quad match Thursday at Fox Haven Country Club in Sikeston. The Bulldogs finished with a total of 163. Cape Central took both the team and individual honors. The Tigers shot 157 as a team while Travis Simmons shot a 36...

No Pressure (03/21/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com POPLAR BLUFF -- It's a load off Alex Heuring's mind. Going into a new season -- his final one -- the Oran catcher has sured up his college destination, limiting the pressures of having to perform in front of college scouts and can focus solely on his senior campaign...

All-Conference team selected for Tri-County Conference (03/21/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com RISCO -- This past week the Tri-County Conference announced it's varsity all-conference teams with several Risco players making the cut. Junior Jordon Pavy was the lone Tiger to be selected first-team all-conference while senior Austin White received second-team honors. Among those receiving honorable mentions were Risco senior Caleb McCord and junior Brandon Bixler...

Ruffin and Harris awarded top honors in SEMO Conference (03/21/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com POPLAR BLUFF -- The 55th annual Poplar Bluff Letter Club Basketball Banquet was held on Wednesday to honor the All-SEMO Conference basketball teams. Topping the list this year was Sikeston senior Vashawn Ruffin, who was presented with the John Gibbs Award for the most outstanding boys basketball player in the SEMO Conference. ...

With little time, Sikeston enters new season with question marks (03/19/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- With less than a week to go before their first meet of the year, the Sikeston track and field team have hardly had the kind of spring needed to get a good gauge on the state of this year's squad. Not only have the Bulldogs had to deal with cold and wet training conditions, but having also had to contend with several winter sport overruns means plenty of question marks remain as they get set to open the season...

Bulldogs start season with quad victory (03/19/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- The Sikeston Bulldogs golf team started their season with a win Monday at the Fox Haven Country Club in Sikeston. The Bulldogs defeated three other teams in a quad match with a team score of 161. Kennett finished second with a 193 and Malden tallied a 22. New Madrid County Central did not total a team score because they have just two players...

Class 3, District 1 team released (03/19/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com The 2012-13 Missouri Basketball Coaches Association Class 3, District 1 All-District team was recently released. New Madrid County Central's Willie Jimerson tops the list after averaging 24.1 points, 3.3 assists, three rebounds and two steals per game during his sophomore season...

Charleston drops two, Scott City wins both in opener at Hillhouse (03/18/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com CHARLESTON -- The Charleston Bluejays lost two games Saturday after hosting four teams at Hillhouse Park in Charleston to open the 2013 high school baseball season. Alongside Charleston, Portageville, Scott City and Woodland all played two games each...

Third place finish (03/16/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com COLUMBIA -- One heartbreaking loss was enough. The Sikeston Bulldogs did not want another. After losing in overtime to Normandy on Thursday in the semifinals, the Bulldogs rebounded with a thrilling victory in the Class 4 third place game to defeat Liberty North 55-54 on Friday at Mizzou Arena...

Dexter's Showdown trip ends with fourth place (03/16/13)
davidj@standard-democrat.com COLUMBIA -- The Dexter Lady Bearcats' trip to the Class 4 final four didn't go as planned. One day after falling to the 12th-ranked team in the nation 66-25, the Lady Bearcats continued to struggle offensively and dropped the Class 4 third place contest to talented Smithville 54-35...

Sikeston enters season with renewed attitude (03/16/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- It still weighs heavily on their minds, but the Sikeston Bulldogs baseball team is itching to erase the disheartening way their season ended last year. Just one out away from closing out the seventh-seeded DeSoto Dragons in the Class 4, District 1 tournament, Sikeston booted two balls in the field and allowed DeSoto to take a 3-2 advantage in the top of the seventh inning which led to their early exit...

Charleston hoping to bounce back from painful season a year ago (03/16/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com CHARLESTON -- If wouldn't be a stretch to call last season one of the worst in the Charleston Bluejays' recent history. After a inspiring run to the final four the year prior, the Bluejays suffered through a 4-20 campaign that featured it's share of growing pains and an almost completely new lineup...

Oran wants to build off consecutive title runs (03/16/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com ORAN -- Coming off back-to-back Show-Me Showdown appearances, expectations will once again be high for the Oran Eagles as they continue their search for that elusive first state title. Before the Eagles can hope to make any noise in the playoffs, however, they'll have to spend the early part of the season replacing a group of graduates who were crucial to each of Oran's past two postseason runs...

HEARTBREAKER (03/15/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com COLUMBIA -- At the end of regulation, the Sikeston Bulldogs pulled off one miracle shot to send the game into overtime. But in the extra period, a second prayer would not be answered as the Bulldogs dropped a heartbreaking 74-72 loss to Normandy in a Class 4 semifinal matchup at Mizzou Arena Thursday afternoon...

Word up (03/15/13)
davidj@standard-democrat.com COLUMBIA -- All season long the Dexter Lady Bearcats basketball team has went by the mantra, "one team, one dream." On Thursday the Lady Bearcats saw that dream shattered by the nationally ranked, undefeated Incarnate Word Red Knights in impressive fashion 66-25...

Class 3, District 1 girls team released (03/15/13)
The 2012-13 Missouri Basketball Coaches Association Class 3, District 1 girls basketball team has been recently released. New Madrid County Central's Benesha Childress and Karen McGloson were named to the team, as was Charleston's E'Neikqua Ewing and Sierra Frazier...

Youth movement hoping to pay off for Sikeston Lady Bulldogs' soccer team (03/14/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- After watching their record slip below the .500 mark in 2012, the Sikeston Lady Bulldogs soccer team is hoping to see the results of last year's youth movement pay off when it kicks off the new season in the coming weeks...

Scott-Miss. All-Conference teams released (03/14/13)
The 2012-13 Scott-Mississippi All-Conference boys and girls basketball teams were recently released. Oran senior Alex Heuring was named the boys conference Player of the Year, while Scott County Central junior Mikaela Blissett was selected as the girls Player of the Year...

Sikeston tennis team improves on numbers, hoping to cure inexperience (03/12/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- After a frustrating 2012 campaign where they were forced to deal with an ever-shrinking roster, the Sikeston Bulldogs tennis team has reason for renewed optimism as they prepare for the start of a new season...

Track and Field prep (03/12/13)

Sikeston's Janai Ivory sets herself to hurl the discus during the Sikeston Bulldogs' track and field practice Monday at Sikeston Public High School Stadium.

Roaring toward the 'Zou: Bulldogs headed to second state semifinal in three years (03/11/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com FARMINGTON -- "Free throw shooting only matters in close games." It's a common phrase used among basketball pundits. On Saturday night, it certainly proved true for the Sikeston Bulldogs. Sikeston needed some clutch free throw shooting down the stretch in a hard-fought 62-52 victory over Gateway Tech in a Class 4 quarterfinal game on Saturday at the Farmington Civic Center...

Lady Bearcats hold off Rosati-Kain 64-43, earn trip to final four (03/11/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com FARMINGTON -- Every season since 2009 -- the last year Dexter advanced to the Show-Me Showdown -- the Lady Bearcats have made it one step closer to state. 2010, lost in district championship. 2011, lost in sectionals. 2012, lost in quarterfinals...

Bulldogs' state run collides with unknown Gateway in Farmington (03/08/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com FARMINGTON -- The sting is still there. Being one play away from making a repeat trip to Columbia and having it crash right in front of you will leave a mark, no doubt. That game and that failed chance is what spurred the Sikeston Bulldogs' team motto for this season...

Dexter taking on Rosati-Kain in Quarterfinal matchup (03/08/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com DEXTER -- Back in the same spot where last season ended, the Dexter Lady Bearcats once again stand just a game away from that elusive final four appearance they've coveted for so long. All that stands in Dexter's way is the Rosati-Kain Kougars, who the Lady Bearcats will face in the Class 4 Quarterfinals Saturday at 7:45 p.m. at the Farmington Civic Center in Farmington...

Shock and awe (03/07/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com PARK HILLS -- It's one thing to know exactly what you need to do to defeat the Sikeston Bulldogs. But then to actually face off against the Bulldogs and follow through with a game-plan has proven to be more than a tall order for most teams...

Lady Bearcats pummel North Co. in second half (03/07/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com PARK HILLS -- Brittany Harris was perfect. Not in a sense that she played flawlessly, but the Dexter senior hit the bottom of the net every time she threw up a shot. Harris scored a game-high 31 points and was an unblemished 13 for 13 from the field and 5 for 5 from the free throw line Wednesday in the Lady Bearcats' 71-33 rout over North County at Mineral Area College in Park Hills...

On to the next one (03/05/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com PARK HILLS -- Since their loss to New Madrid County Central, the Sikeston Bulldogs have turned on a different switch. They rolled through the remainder of the regular season following the defeat and turned, what could have been, two closely contested district games into one-sided affairs...

Dexter back in playoffs after scare (03/05/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com DEXTER -- Their district title may have come with a lot more drama than they'd have liked, but for the third straight year the Dexter Lady Bearcats are back in sectionals. They'll face the North County Lady Raiders, winners of Class 4, District 2, Wednesday at 7:45 p.m. at MIneral Area College in Park Hills...

Disappointing end (03/04/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com DEXTER -- It wasn't a matter of if it would happen, it was a matter of when. Unfortunately for the Scott County Central Braves, their quest for a fifth-straight championship and the stranglehold they've placed upon Class 1 basketball ended on Saturday...

Reigning champion Jays succomb to Madison (03/04/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com HILLSBORO -- For the first time in a long time the Charleston Bluejays found themselves in the underdog role on Saturday when facing Madison Prep in the Class 3 quarterfinals. Despite taking a two-point lead early in the final quarter, the defending state champion Bluejays were unable to hold on as the currently top-ranked Bears rode a hot finish to a 63-54 win...

High five: Sikeston wins fifth-straight district championship (03/01/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com DEXTER -- The Sikeston Bulldogs are still the king of the hill. For the fifth--straight year the Bulldogs captured the Class 4, District 1 championship with a 77-61 victory over second-seeded Cape Central on Thursday night at the Bearcat Event Center in Dexter...

District thriller (03/01/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com DEXTER -- Even when she purposely missed a shot, Hannah Noe was making all the right moves. With two seconds left and the Dexter Lady Bearcats ahead by one point, Noe stepped to the free throw line to give her team a bit more separation. She sank the first and was about to let go of her second when the call from the sideline told her to miss it...

One step closer (02/28/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com DEXTER -- All season long the Charleston Bluejays have hung their hat on the ability to put together one of the more feared defenses in southeast Missouri. Fittingly enough it was the Bluejays relentless pressure that made up for a luke-warm shooting performance Tuesday as the Bluejays outlasted Clearwater 85-63 during the Class 3 sectionals...

Defense leads Dexter past Perryville in lopsided district semifinal 61-27 (02/26/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com DEXTER -- Fighting through nagging injuries that hampered their lineup and the absence of their head coach, the Dexter Lady Bearcats kicked off their Class 4, District title defense Monday with a win over Perryville. Brittany Harris led the effort with 18 points while Paige Patterson chipped in 12 points to guide Dexter to a 61-27 rout that once again put the Lady Bearcats back in the championship game...

Hampton signs with East Central to play soccer (02/26/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- There are few who have made a bigger splash in one year than Sikeston's Josh Hampton. Although he knew the trade, Hampton set records and made a name for himself in just one season in goal for the varsity Bulldogs which led to his move to the next level...

End of the line (02/25/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com DEXTER -- Sikeston girls basketball coach Matt Schonhoff knew if his team had any shot of upsetting Cape Central in the first round of the district tournament, they would have to find a way to contain Alayah Cooper-Johnson...

Dexter's season closes to Kennett 73-36 (02/25/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com DEXTER -- The fifth-seeded Dexter Bearcats saw their season come to a close Saturday with a 73-36 loss to fourth-seeded Kennett in the opening round of the Class 4, District 1 tournament. "We struggled scoring and once we got down a little bit we started trying to play up and down with them," Dexter head coach Rob Nichols said. "We'd like to play fast, but we just can't do that this year."...

Still the champs (02/23/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- As much success Scott County Central has had, their boys basketball team plays the underdog role very well. The third-seeded Braves proved once again the road to a Class 1 championship runs through Ronnie Cookson Gymnasium as the defending champions dealt district favorite Leopold a 64-58 loss during the Class 1, District 2 championship game at Scott County Central High School...

Sikeston rolls into districts by pounding DeSoto 84-32 (02/23/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com DESOTO -- With district play right around the corner, the Sikeston Bulldogs were hoping to close out its regular season schedule against DeSoto with a good performance. "Good" may not be the most appropriate adjective as the Bulldogs put together one of its most impressive games of the season with a dominating 84-32 victory to ruin DeSoto's Senior Night...

Scott Central girls dominate Delta to win district crown (02/23/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- These Bravettes play with a bit of a chip on their shoulder. They remember all too well the blowouts they were on the wrong end of as freshman and sophomores as well as watching their boys win state title after state title...

Portageville girls come up short against Hayti (02/23/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com BLOOMFIELD -- After fighting neck-and-neck with Hayti for nearly three full quarters Friday the Portageville Lady Bulldogs saw their shot at the Class 2, District 1 title derailed by a rough final frame. Led by a hot finish from senior Jermika Covington the Lady Indians scored a game-high 27 points in the final quarter of the championship contest to lock up the district crown with a 58-39 win...

District dominance: Charleston defeats NMCC 68-62 for third-straight title (02/22/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com MALDEN -- All the pregame talk centered on New Madrid County Central and its resurgence this season. It centered on the emergence of NMCC sophomore stud Willie Jimerson and the improved supporting cast around him. But when it was all said and done, Charleston had one ace in the hole that could trump NMCC's best hand...

NMCC lets lead slip away to Twin Rivers (02/22/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com MALDEN -- They had the start any team would hope for. They pounced on Twin Rivers with a swarm of defensive pressure, hogged the glass and had the top seed playing their up-tempo pace. The New Madrid County Central Lady Eagles emphatically connected with the first punch...

Moving forward (02/21/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com BLOOMFIELD -- It may have been Holcomb knocking Bernie out of the Bloomfield Christmas Tournament earlier this season, but the Mules got the 'W' when it mattered most. Playing the Hornets in the Class 2, Districts 1 semifinals Wednesday, Bernie rode a hot start from junior B.J. Jennings to a 16-point halftime lead that allowed the Mules to cruise to a 70-49 final...

Class 4, District 1 tournament will kickoff Saturday (02/21/13)
DEXTER -- The first round of the Class 4, District 1 boys and girls basketball tournament will begin Saturday at the Bearcat Event Center in Dexter. The Sikeston Lady Bulldogs will play the first game of the tournament at 1 p.m. when they face off against the third seeded Cape Central Lady Tigers...

District upset (02/19/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com BLOOMFIELD -- Watching a late lead escape them, fourth-seeded Portageville fell 56-54 to fifth-seed South Pemiscot on Monday in the opening round of the Class 2, District 1 Tournament. "We just missed so many easy shots around the basket tonight," Portageville head coach Jason Irby said. "We had a lot of opportunities when we had a two to four lead to stretch it. The ball just seemed to find a way to bounce the wrong way."...

SHS falls on the road, NMCC moves to title game (02/19/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com PARK HILLS -- The Sikeston Lady Bulldogs struggled to generate offense Monday against St. Francois County (Park Hills) Central losing 56-20 on the road. Sikeston fell behind 18-4 after the first quarter and then by 21 points (29-8) by halftime. They scored just two points in the third quarter...

Staying hot (02/16/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com CHARLESTON -- In one final tuneup before they begin their title defense in the Class 3, District 1 tournament, the Charleston Bluejays hosted Poplar Bluff on Friday with a share of the SEMO Conference title on the line. Charleston stormed out of the gate, holding the Mules to just one field goal through the first six minutes of play, before cruising to a 91-61 win...

Bulldogs pull away from Bernie during second half, 65-48 (02/16/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com BERNIE -- For a half, the Bernie Mules went toe to toe with the No. 1 team in Class 4. But the second half was a different story as the Sikeston Bulldogs turned up the intensity in the third quarter and pulled away to defeat the Mules 65-48 on Senior Night at Bernie on Friday...

Stinnett eliminated from state, Waldner guaranteed to medal (02/16/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com COLUMBIA -- Staying alive as the only Sikeston wrestler to have a chance at a medal after Thursday's opening round, Jacob Stinnett was eliminated Friday during the second round of wrestlebacks during the Class 3 state wrestling meet at Mizzou Arena in Columbia...

Stinnett keeps Sikeston's medal hopes alive at state (02/15/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com COLUMBIA -- All four Sikeston Bulldog wrestlers began their day at the Class 3 state wrestling meet at Mizzou Arena in Columbia with a loss. One, however, bounced back in the second round. Senior Jacob Stinnett kept the Bulldogs' medal hopes alive with a win in the first round of the consolation bracket by pinning Ft. Zumwalt East's Shane Barrett at the 2:54 mark...

Charleston wins on late 3-pointer, Bravettes dispatch Chaffee 75-40 (02/15/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com CHARLESTON -- Charleston sophomore Sierra Frazier drained a 3-pointer with eight seconds remaining to give the Lady Bluejays a 62-61 win against Kennett Thursday during Charleston's senior night. Frazier led Charleston with 18 points. Juwanna Walker and Dazique Gillespie each added 11 points...

Halted (02/14/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Sikeston's offense was put to a screeching halt. A simple defensive change from Cape Central muzzled the Lady Bulldogs' to single digits in the second half which led to a 38-28 Lady Tiger victory Wednesday at the Sikeston Field House...

District tournaments set to kick off Saturday for Classes 1-3 (02/14/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com MALDEN -- After rolling to the Class 3, District 1 championship the past few years, the Charleston Bluejays will face some stiff competition this weekend as they start the road to repeating as state champions. While that competition may not come in the first few rounds, district rival New Madrid County Central (15-7) is sitting as a potential road block on the other side of the bracket. ...

Complete game (02/12/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- An all-around game from the Sikeston Lady Bulldogs helped them race past the visiting Portageville Lady Bulldogs 70-45 Monday at the Sikeston Field House. As a whole, Sikeston shot 38 percent from the floor but went 6 of 15 from behind the arc (40 percent). Sikeston shot 43 percent from inside the 3-point line while four players scored in double digits...

Bluejays blow by Doniphan in district tuneup (02/12/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com CHARLESTON -- After a relatively slow start on Monday, the Charleston Bluejays opened up the final week of the regular season with a dominant 89-35 win over the Doniphan Dons. Delfincko Bogan and Darrion Carter led the way with 17 points each on a night where six Bluejays posted double-digit scoring totals...

State bound (02/11/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com FARMINGTON -- Four Sikeston wrestlers will be going to the 2013 state championship wrestling meet at Mizzou Arena in Columbia. Jacob Stinnett, Cody Middleton, Garrett Middleton and Tarrington Marks all finished in the top four inside their respective weight classes following the Class 3, District 1 tournament at Farmington High School...

Seniority (02/09/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Playing in your last home game can be a bittersweet feeling for a senior. But it sure feels a lot better if you win. The Sikeston Bulldogs closed out its home slate for the season with a 69-47 victory over Cape Central on Friday in front of a large Senior Night crowd at the Field House...

NMCC comeback thwarted by Jackson (02/09/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com NEW MADRID -- It had the build-up, look and eventual feel of a great comeback story. New Madrid County Central opened the game nearly lifeless and fell behind big because of it. They eventually made their run late in the fourth quarter with their season's hero, Willie Jimerson, who's been battling flu-like symptoms for the past few days no less, leading the charge...

Bluejays surge past Portageville (02/09/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com CHARLESTON -- With just one week before districts, the Charleston Bluejays are spending what little time they have left fine-tuning their game after the recent loss of leading scorer Michael Hull. If Friday's results are any indication, the Bluejays are adjusting well as Charleston rode a stellar defensive effort to a 97-49 homecoming win over the Portageville Bulldogs...

Scott Central loses third-straight to Oran 92-83 (02/09/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Before Friday's homecoming matchup with Oran, the last time the Scott County Central Braves lost three games in a single season to the Eagles was the 2002-03 campaign. With a 92-83 loss, however, the Eagles closed out this year's three-game sweep to become the first team to beat the Braves in a three-game series since the 2005-06 season...

OT Thriller (02/08/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- The Charleston Lady Bluejays may not be the most consistent shooting team from the floor, but when it comes to hitting their freebies, there's not many better. Nailing 9 of 10 free throws in overtime, and 23 of 33 overall, Charleston hung on for a wild 58-54 overtime win against the Sikeston Lady Bulldogs Thursday at the Sikeston Field House...

State-ranked Saxony Lutheran tops Bravettes (02/08/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Things went south quickly for the Scott County Central Bravettes on Thursday while hosting Saxony Lutheran. Under a hail of six first quarter 3-pointers, the Lady Crusaders were able to build a 27-point halftime lead before cruising to a 65-39 win...

Thatch, NMCC take care of Puxico 74-39 (02/08/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com NEW MADRID -- The New Madrid County Central Eagles quickly vanquished the visiting Puxico Indians Thursday 74-39 at New Madrid County Central High School. Armondo Thatch led the Eagles with a new season-high of 31 points. Corey Guest added 13 for NMCC...

Late push (02/07/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com CHAFFEE -- Charleston sophomore Sierra Frazier has proved time and time again this season to be one of the Lady Bluejays' go-to scorers. Wednesday's contest against Chaffee was no different as Frazier scored 10 of her team's final 12 points on the night to guide Charleston to a 60-55 win...

Samuel nabs second-largest recruiting class (02/07/13)
CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Southeast Missouri's 2013 Football Signing Class consists of 25 members, including five mid-year transfers and 20 new commits. This year's class is the second-largest under head coach Tony Samuel. "It's a diverse group and you are going to see that there's a concentration on the linemen and linebackers," said Samuel. "This is a larger class with a good combination of guys with different skill sets."...

Through the fire (02/02/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com POPLAR BLUFF -- Coming off an emotionally draining and physically taxing game against arch-rival Charleston on Thursday at the Show Me Center, the Sikeston Bulldogs had no time to bask in their victory as they had to take to the road again to play Poplar Bluff on Friday...

Risco outruns Rebels 96-76 (02/02/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com ESSEX -- When Risco took the floor against Richland on Friday it didn't take the Tigers long to realize they had their work cut out for them with Rebel senior Richard Forshee guarding the paint. Forshee, listed at 6-11, towers over even the tallest Tiger by a good 11 inches, which meant plenty of easy inside buckets for the Rebels and limited second chances for Risco...

NMCC cruises to 65-46 win over Royals (02/02/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com BROSELEY -- The New Madrid County Central Eagles opened up with a 14-point lead and cruised to a 65-46 win over Twin Rivers Friday. Willie Jimerson led the Eagles with 16 points. Delontre Haney added another 10 while Darrin McGloson had nine points...

Unrivaled: Sikeston bests Charleston for a second time in "The Rivalry" (02/01/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Sikeston and Charleston have had many epic battles over the years, but never before have they met on the biggest stage in southeast Missouri. Both schools took to the court at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau on Thursday in what was billed as "The Rivalry" in a crucial SEMO Conference matchup...

Risco gets stung by Hornets (02/01/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com RISCO -- The Risco Tigers were handed a lopsided 91-57 loss thanks to Ethan Barr and the Advance Hornets Thursday. Barr led all scorers with 28 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Lane Below added 22 points and seven assists...

On the rise (01/31/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Fueled by Mikala Nichols' game-high 17-points, the Sikeston Lady Bulldogs put together one of their more consistent first halves of the season Wednesday against visiting Scott City. The result was a 12-point halftime lead that the Lady Bulldogs used to hold off a second half push by the Lady Rams for a 53-40 win at the Sikeston Field House...

Vinyard signs with Shawnee softball (01/31/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com ULLIN, Ill., -- There was a time in her life that Sydney Vinyard wasn't even going to play softball. Her sister, a triple and the desire to return to the field changed all that. Vinyard recently signed a letter of intent to play softball for Shawnee Community College in Ullin, Ill...

Sikeston freshmen finish perfect season (01/31/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Not many teams can claim they are perfect. Sikeston's ninth grade basketball team aren't like most teams. Coached by Chris Sarakas, the Sikeston Bulldogs finished a perfect season Monday defeating Twin Rivers in dominating fashion 67-24 for their 12th victory of the season...

Swatted down (01/29/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Their comeback bid fell just a tad short. Spearheaded by Mikala Nichols' scoring efforts, the Sikeston Lady Bulldogs couldn't find a way to pull out a win against Twin Rivers Monday at the Sikeston Field House, 42-36...

Lady Bluejays hold on against Kelly (01/29/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com CHARLESTON -- After Saturday's 34-point loss to Twin Rivers, Charleston head coach Josh Thompson wondered how his girls would respond to such a poor outing. He got his answer Monday night when they Lady Bluejays held off a relentless second-half push by the Kelly Lady Hawks for a 75-71 win...

Lady Devils nab Oran in second half (01/29/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com CHAFFEE -- Julia Sutterfield led with 19 points and Ellie Sigman added 14 as the Chaffee Lady Devils defeated visiting Oran 48-34. Allie Cummins paced Oran (7-8) with 12 points. The Lady Devils (9-7) were down by two after the first quarter and then 21-20 at the half. But a strong second half -- outscoring Oran 28-13 -- rocketed Chaffee to the win...

Sikeston freshman take title in come-from-behind thriller (01/28/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com JACKSON -- The Sikeston freshman basketball team rallied from six points down in the final 33 seconds to defeat Poplar Bluff, 58-56, on Saturday to win the Jackson Invitational Tournament. "They refused to give up, even down six with 33 seconds left," Sikeston coach Chris Sarakas said. "They showed no panic. I am so proud of them. It took the entire team to get the job done and that's a testament to their work ethic and desire to win."...

Coaches Vs. Cancer (01/28/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com CHARLESTON -- New Madrid County Central senior Benesha Childress has had plenty of highlights in her Lady Eagle career, but none more historic than what she accomplished Saturday night. With NMCC playing Meadow Heights in the Coaches Vs. Cancer Shootout, Childress posted a game-high 23 points to unseat Tawanda Daniel as the school's all-time scoring leader and guide her team to a 75-48 win...

Running wild (01/26/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Sikeston head basketball coach Gregg Holifield is never satisfied. Despite having just one loss this season, he continually is trying to work out any kinks the team may have with an end-game of reaching its peak level of performance by district tournament time in late February...

Jimerson scores 41 as NMCC downs Portageville (01/26/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com PORTAGEVILLE -- With his team facing an early deficit, Willie Jimerson hit one shot that completely turned the game on its end. Jimerson drained a halfcourt shot with a Portageville defender draped over him to close out the first quarter sending, not only, the NMCC fans into a frenzy but it also sent the message that NMCC's most valuable player was not to be denied...

Cold shooting Oran comes up short against Leopold 48-46 (01/26/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com ORAN -- Though filled with plenty of suspense, Oran's highly anticipated matchup with Leopold Friday didn't turn out quite how the Eagles had hoped. With a chance to back Leopold in a corner in the final seconds with a pair of free throws, Oran saw the first half of a one-and-one fall short...

Chaffee gets rare win over SCC 64-47 (01/26/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com CHAFFEE -- For the first time in 12 years the Chaffee Red Devils defeated the Scott County Central Braves. Chaffee, who hadn't beaten the Braves since Dec. 29, 2000 in a 64-60 Red Devil victory, finally downed the perennial power 64-47 Friday at Chaffee High School...

Taking charge (01/25/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com NEW MADRID -- Fans looking to see New Madrid County Central's Benesha Childress break the school's all-time scoring record were likely disappointed to see the senior in street clothes for Thursday night's game against Sikeston...

Freshman Bulldogs advance to tourney finals (01/25/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com JACKSON -- The Sikeston Bulldogs ninth grade basketball team advanced to the championship game of the Jackson tournament Thursday with a 49-42 semifinal win over Notre Dame. The Bulldogs (9-0) will play Poplar Bluff on Saturday at noon for the tournament championship...

Intense win (01/24/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- The ferocity of the Sikeston Lady Bulldogs finally showed through Wednesday. They were fierce on all fronts -- offense, defense -- and did it for a full four quarters which led to a 57-42 win over visiting Perryville at the Sikeston Field House...

SHS grapplers win North County dual, NMCC routs Caruthersville (01/24/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com BONNE TERRE -- The Sikeston Bulldogs wrestling team defeated all three of their competitors Tuesday night during the North County dual against Hillsboro, Festus and North County. Sikeston defeated Hillsboro 54-24, Festus 67-11 and North County 52-30...

Swatted (01/22/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com DEXTER -- For the first time this season the Dexter Lady Bearcats got a chance to see what life was like without leading scorer Brittany Harris on Monday when visiting Perryville came to town. If their effort against the Lady Pirates is any indication Dexter has little to worry about as they posted five girls with double-digit scoring totals en route to a 81-34 win...

Bulldogs take 4th at SEMO tourney, Bravettes get past Woodland (01/22/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com POPLAR BLUFF -- The Sikeston Bulldogs wrestling team tied for fourth during the SEMO Conference wrestling tournament at Poplar Bluff Saturday. Sikeston, who finished with 174.5 points, fell into a fourth place tie with Poplar Bluff...

Conference Champs: Oran Eagles supplant SCC for conference title (01/19/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- At one point early in the fourth quarter, Scott Central head coach Frank Staple threw up his hands wondering what it was going to take to slow down the Oran Eagles. Oran had his answer. Nothing. Oran, who had played second-fiddle to the Braves for too long, emphatically knocked off the six-time Scott-Mississippi Conference reigning champion 90-64 Friday at Scott County Central High School...

Bulldogs escape Kennett with 84-80 victory on the road (01/19/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com KENNETT -- For the past seven years, the Class 4, District 1 tournament has gone through Sikeston and Notre Dame as the two have met in the championship game every year since 2006. With a reclassification this year, Kennett may have officially announced its presence among area Class 4 district opponents...

NMCC throttles Dexter 52-28 (01/19/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com NEW MADRID -- The New Madrid County Central Eagles jumped out to a quick start and never looked back during their 52-28 win over Dexter Friday at New Madrid County Central High School. The Eagles took a comfortable 17-7 lead after the first quarter which extended to 22 points (35-13) by halftime...

Great Scott! (01/18/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- The days of blowouts and sitting comfortably with a huge lead at halftime are in the past for the Scott County Central Braves. Grinding out games and needing to find ways to win are now the norm for the defending Class 1 champions as they continue to fight to stay above the .500 mark...

Lady Bluejays edge NMCC 75-72 behind Ewing's 31 (01/18/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com CHARLESTON -- Before their game against New Madrid County Central on Thursday, the Charleston Lady Bluejays honored senior E'Neikqua Ewing for scoring 1,000 career points the night prior against Malden. Ewing returned the favor with a clutch 31 point, 10 rebound performance that included the game-winning shot in a 75-72 win over the Lady Eagles...

NMCC gets by Cairo, Lady Bulldogs stopped by Poplar Bluff (01/18/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com NEW MADRID -- The New Madrid County Central Eagles outscored Cairo, Ill., by 15 points in the second half to come away with a 73-53 win Thursday at New Madrid County Central High School. NMCC sophomore Willie Jimerson led the Eagles with a game-high 32 points. Delontre Haney added 11...

Semifinals set (01/17/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Second-seeded Scott County Central's night might not have started how they expected Wednesday against seventh-seeded Delta, but the end result was just the same. Overcoming a sluggish start, the Braves scored a combined 66 points in the second and third quarters to rout the Bobcats, 96-48, and advance to the Scott-Mississippi Conference semifinals...

Chaffee grounds Hawks for the third time this season (01/17/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- After an extra day off, the opening round of the Scott-Mississippi Conference Tournament got back on track Wednesday with the seedings holding true through the opening round. Kicking off Wednesday's varsity action, fourth-seeded Chaffee picked up their second 30-plus point win over fifth-seeded Kelly in under a week, 74-41...

Stifled (01/15/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Kennett's defensive game plan had the Lady Bulldogs out of whack. The Lady Indians made a living off of turnovers Monday night which knocked Sikeston out of their rhythm and provided Kennett with some of their own during a 41-29 loss for the Lady Bulldogs at the Sikeston Field House...

Scott City kicks off Scott-Miss tourney with 69-35 rout against East Prairie (01/15/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Led by a 23-point effort from Ryan Brock, third-seeded Scott City opened up the Scott-Mississippi Conference Tournament on Monday with a 69-35 win over sixth-seeded East Prairie. "There was times we played really well," Rams head coach Mark Dannenmueller said. "When we got a big lead we relaxed a little bit, but I guess sometimes that's typical...

Charleston advances to next round in Superman Classic (01/15/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com METROPOLIS, Ill. -- The Charleston Bluejays easily took care of their first opponent in the 30th Annual Superman Classic Monday at Massac County High School. The Bluejays, the tournament's No. 1 seed, defeated Century, Ill., 86-43...

Sikeston takes ninth, Risco nabs OT win 69-66 (01/14/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com FENTON -- The Sikeston wrestling team took ninth place during the 141 Rumble at Rockwood Summitt High School Saturday in Fenton. Cody Middleton (126) and Nick Nichols (195) each took second place in their respective weight classes. Middleton, who's been sidelined after a three week injury, finished Saturday with a 4-1 record while Nichols went 3-1...

Bedeviled (01/12/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- The Sikeston Bulldogs have protected its home court as well as any team in the state of Missouri recently. But for just the third time in six years, the Bulldogs tasted defeat at the Field House, falling to a powerful Maplewood-Richmond Heights team, 70-66 in front of a loud, energized crowd on Friday night...

Red Devils roll to 76-45 win over Kelly (01/12/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com CHAFFEE -- With four scorers posting double-digit totals, the Chaffee Red Devils had little trouble putting visiting Kelly in the rearview mirror on Friday. Led by a game-high 20 points from Peyton Montgomery, Chaffee pulled away to a 16-point halftime before rolling to a 76-45 win...

Bluejays suffocate Scott Central for 84-67 win (01/12/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Facing a ferocious Charleston defense, the Scott County Central Braves had a hard time breathing, much less scoring points. Suffocating the Braves on their home court, the Bluejays came away with an 84-67 win Friday night between the reigning Class 1 and Class 3 champions...

Portageville drops South Pemiscot, Tigers pound Campbell (01/12/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com PORTAGEVILLE - The Portageville Bulldogs outscored the South Pemiscot Bulldogs by 11 points in the first quarter and never trailed after on its way to a 65-49 Bootheel Conference regular-season victory Friday night. Portageville shot 49 percent from the field. Portageville hit 3 of 9 3-pointers and 20 of 38 2-pointers...

Scott County Central girls basketball team wins overtime thriller against Charleston (01/11/13)
SCC defeated Charleston 109-89 in overtime to win the Scott-Mississippi Conference tournament title.

Sikeston's 3-game win streak snapped (01/11/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- The last thing Sikeston needed was to get off on the wrong foot. Nonetheless, Notre Dame didn't let it go unpunished. A sluggish start by Sikeston led to a 47-32 Notre Dame win at the Sikeston Field House Thursday snapping Sikeston's three-game win streak...

Charleston turned away late against Dyer County (01/11/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com NEWBERN, Tenn. -- Giving up 32 points in the fourth quarter, the Charleston Bluejays let a tie game slip away to Dyer County, Tenn., Thursday night during the Penny Hardaway Hoopfest at Dyer County High School, 93-76. Following a 61-61 tie at the end of the third quarter, Dyer County outscored the Bluejays by 17 points to give Charleston just their second loss of the year...

Finals set: Scott Central, Charleston to meet in conference championship (01/10/13)

Charleston sophomore Sierra Frazier (10) looks to pass to teammate Cheyenne Randle (23) after getting surrounded by a trio of Oran defenders during a Scott-Mississippi Conference Tournament semifinal game Wednesday at Oran High School.

Big fourth quarter propels Bravettes (01/10/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com ORAN -- Led by a 24-point effort from junior Mikaela Blissett, Scott County Central took down Scott City Wednesday in the Scott-Mississippi Conference Tournament semifinals, 70-45. "They came out and played well," Bravettes head coach Matt Limbaugh said. "We looked good in the press and caused some turnovers and played against a good Scott City team. Scott City's (Lyndsie) Robert is a heck of player...

Lady Bluejays fend off Oran late 69-60 (01/10/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com ORAN -- Holding off a resilient Oran Lady Eagles squad on Wednesday, the Charleston Lady Bluejays earned a matchup with Scott County Central in today's Scott-Mississippi Conference championship game. After trailing as late as the fourth quarter, the Lady Bluejays pulled away from the Lady Eagles in the final minutes of play for a 69-60 win...

Sikeston wrestlers come up short at Ste. Genevieve (01/10/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com STE. GENEVIEVE -- The Sikeston wrestling came up empty handed Wednesday during the team's trip to Ste. Genevieve to take on Ste. Genevieve, Jackson and Windsor in a quad meet. The Bulldogs ended up losing to all three teams, including a close 43-42 decision to Windsor. Sikeston lost the match to Windsor by tie breaker criteria...

Runaway (01/08/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- The Sikeston Lady Bulldogs saw their share of frustration early this season as they fought through six straight losses before picking up their first win of the season. As of late, however, the Lady Bulldogs have turned things around and are currently owners of a three-game winning streak including wins over Scott City and Chaffee...

Scott City pulls the upset, Bravettes knock off Kelly (01/08/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com ORAN -- Led by 17 points from Lyndsie Robert, the seventh-seeded Scott City Lady Rams handed the Chaffee Lady Devils a 45-42 upset in the opening round of the Scott-Mississippi Conference Tournament. The Lady Rams came out and outscored Chaffee 19-6 in the first quarter and took a nine-point lead into halftime. The Lady Devils closed to within two pints entering the fourth, but were outscored 11-9 in the final frame as the Lady Rams held on...

Flying high (01/07/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com CAPE GIRARDEAU -- The Sikeston Bulldogs improved to 12-0 on the season with a 76-46 victory over Parkway South on Saturday afternoon in the 18th Annual Tiger Shootout at Cape Central High School. The Bulldogs were as sharp as they had been all year in the first half, out-scoring the Patriots 29-7 in the first quarter and holding a 55-22 lead at halftime...

Sikeston wrestlers finish second at Vianney tournament (01/07/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com KIRKWOOD -- The Sikeston Bulldogs wrestling team finished second at the Vianney Invitational wrestling tournament Friday and Saturday. The Bulldogs scored a team total of 163, close behind the tournament's first place team, St. Louis University High's (SLUH) 179...

Rams exact revenge on Oak Ridge (01/03/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com SCOTT CITY -- The Scott City Rams exacted a bit of revenge Wednesday night as they defeated Oak Ridge 65-40 at Scott City High School. Scott City, who lost to the Blue Jays during the consolation championship of the seMissourian Christmas Tournament 61-55, was led by Jessie Sanders' 24 points. Ryan Brock added 21 in the win...

Wildcats' comeback falls short in fifth place game (01/02/13)
sports@standard-democrat.com BLOOMFIELD -- After coming from behind to win back-to-back games at the Bloomfield Christmas Tournament, the Bloomfield Wildcats' heroics came to a halt Monday in the fifth-place game against Hayti. The Wildcats cut a double-digit deficit down to four heading into the final frame only to see a big fourth by the Indians secure a 59-44 win Monday during the final day of the Bloomfield Christmas Tournament...

Champions crowned (12/31/12)
sports@standard-democrat.com O'FALLON -- Facing a team with quickness, size and good shooters, the Sikeston Bulldogs found itself in trouble in the championship game of the 19th Annual St. Dominic Christmas Tournament on Saturday night. The Bulldogs let a big lead slip away against Fort Zumwalt South and were staring at a fourth quarter deficit for the first time this season...

Portageville denied again in final seconds, eliminated by Hayti (12/31/12)
sports@standard-democrat.com BLOOMFIELD -- Just one year after appearing in the championship game, the Portageville Bulldogs found themselves out of the running as their stint in Bloomfield Christmas Tournament draw to a close Saturday. For the second straight night the Bulldogs saw a last-second shot come up short, sending them home with a 50-49 loss to Hayti in the tournament's fifth-place semifinals...

Charleston claims title for second straight year (12/31/12)
sports@standard-democrat.com CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Everyone knew what was coming. The Charleston Bluejays, the tournament's No. 1 seed, met the expectations and delivered like an undeniable favorite should. Charleston's second title in as many years capped a commanding rule over this year's field at the 2012 seMissourian Christmas Tournament with a 62-42 win over Cape Central Sunday at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau...

Eagles take home consolation title 75-66 (12/31/12)
sports@standard-democrat.com DYERSBURG, Tenn. -- The New Madrid County Central Eagles didn't leave Dyersburg, Tenn., empty handed. The Eagles completed a furious second half comeback to win the consolation championship against Caruthersville Saturday during the 2012 Dyersburg Christmas Tournament...

According to plan (12/28/12)
sports@standard-democrat.com BLOOMFIELD -- Led by 23 points from Dion Foster, the seventh-seeded Portageville Bulldogs held off a second half charge by 10th-seeded Doniphan for a 65-55 win in the opening round of the Bloomfield Christmas Tournament...

Bulldogs down Timberland, advance to third straight title game (12/28/12)
sports@standard-democrat.com O'FALLON -- The Sikeston Bulldogs will be trying for a three-peat in the St. Dominic Christmas Tournament after defeating Timberland, 77-50, on Thursday night at St. Dominic High School. The top-seeded Bulldogs, champions the previous two years in the tournament, drained a season-high 14 3-pointers in Thursday's semifinal win over the fifth-seeded Wolves...

Charleston sets tone with big win over Delta (12/28/12)
sports@standard-democrat.com CAPE GIRARDEAU -- In a day filled with lopsided affairs and downright ugly blowouts, the Charleston Bluejays set the tone with a 107-24 win against Delta during the first round of the seMissourian Christmas Tournament at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau...

Slipped away (12/21/12)
sports@standard-democrat.com CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Just 12 seconds away from their first win of the season, the Sikeston Bulldog's suffered another frustrating defeat at the hands of the Perrville Lady Pirates. Junior Desiree Brown provided the Lady Pirates with a game-winning three-point play that advanced Perryville to the consolation finals of the Kelso Supply Holiday Classic, 44-41 Thursday...

Oran claims road win over Hawks 64-30 (12/21/12)
sports@standard-democrat.com BENTON -- The Oran Eagles took care of the Kelly Hawks 64-30 Thursday night at Kelly High School. Seth Ressel scored a game-high 19 points to lead the Eagles. Kody Moore added 13 for Oran (8-1). Kelly (2-6) was paced by Brent Forck's nine points...

Sikeston-Charleston rivalry moved to Show Me Center (12/20/12)
sports@standard-democrat.com CAPE GIRARDEAU -- The game is being dubbed "The Rivalry". Wars between the Sikeston Bulldogs and Charleston Bluejays have certainly stood up to that name so far as fans have packed both the Sikeston Field House and Charleston High School on numerous occasions...

NMCC's Hewitt signs with Crowley's Ridge (12/20/12)
NEW MADRID -- New Madrid County Central High School senior Hunter Hewitt signed a letter of intent with the Crowley's Ridge College volleyball team of Paragould, Ark., Tuesday. CRC head coach Cindy Henry said she expects that the middle hitter can make a big impact for the Lady Pioneers...

Classic continues (12/18/12)
sports@standard-democrat.com BROSELEY -- The Dexter Lady Bearcats took another step to repeating as Lady Royals Christmas Classic Tournament champions on Monday with a dominant quarterfinal win over Doniphan. Holding the Donnettes without a field goal in the first half, the Lady Bearcats were able to build a 58-point halftime lead en rout to a 80-14 win...

Nichols wins division at Tiger Classic (12/17/12)
sports@standard-democrat.com CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Improving on last year's showing by three places, the Sikeston Bulldogs wrapped up the Tiger Classic wrestling tournament on Saturday with a fourth place team finish at Cape Central Junior High School. The Bulldogs' 195.5 points easily edged out fifth place Rockwood Summit, who finished with 180, and were a marked on improve on last year's seventh place finish when they scored 148 points...

Seedings hold true in first round of Lady Royals Classic (12/17/12)
sports@standard-democrat.com BROSELEY -- The seeds held true during the first round of the Twin Rivers Lady Royals Classic Tournament as all top seeds advanced to the second round Saturday at Twin Rivers High School. The No. 1 seed, Dexter Lady Bearcats, rolled through Malden 99-15. Dexter (8-1) wasted no time asserting their dominance outscoring the Lady Wave 39-4 in the first quarter...

Hatchett helps Wonder Boys spoil winning streak (12/17/12)
sports@standard-democrat.com WICHITA FALLS, Texas -- Former Scott County Central standout Bobby Hatchett led Arkansas Tech past Midwestern State in a double overtime game 75-73 Saturday in Wichita Falls, Texas. Hatchett totaled a career-high 22 points as the Wonder Boys spoiled Midwestern's 19-game home winning streak in the process. The Mustangs are the three-time defending NCAA Division II South Central Regional champions...

Braves prevail in OT over defending champions (12/17/12)
sports@standard-democrat.com BRANSON -- The Scott County Central Braves ended their participation in the Ozark Mountain Shootout on a positive note Saturday defeating the defending Class 2 state champions. In an overtime thriller, the Braves knocked off Billings 111-96...

Top Dogs (12/15/12)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- In the past few years, one aspect that made the Sikeston Bulldogs a difficult team to beat was that you never knew who was going to beat you. On Friday night it was Reese Porter's time to shine in the Bulldogs' 59-39 victory over SEMO Conference and district foe Notre Dame at the Sikeston Field House...

Bulldogs hold their own in Tiger Classic (12/15/12)
sports@standard-democrat.com CAPE GIRARDEAU -- Competing among 16 teams from five different states, the Sikeston Bulldogs wrestling squad more than held their own on Friday during the first day of the Tiger Classic. "All in all, I'm very happy with the way we've done so far," Sikeston head coach Chris Lowe said as the first day of the tournament came to a close. "It's our first tournament and the level of competition had picked up a lot. I think the boys have stepped up and performed well...

NMCC handles Doniphan, Risco takes third in Clarkton Holiday tourney (12/15/12)
sports@standard-democrat.com DONIPHAN -- The New Madrid County Central Eagles defeated Doniphan 61-40 Friday. Sophomore Willie Jimerson had another strong outing scoring a game-high 28 points to lead the Eagles. NMCC led 19-13 after the first quarter and eventually held a 34-20 lead at halftime. The Eagles never trailed again...

Denied (12/14/12)
sports@standard-democrat.com DEXTER -- They don't like to pay attention to rankings, but the Dexter Lady Bearcats may be pegged a little low. Currently slotted in the eighth spot within the MBCA/MoSports.com coaches poll, Dexter pushed over a previously undefeated New Madrid County Central team with ease 82-43 Thursday night at the Bearcat Event Center...

Lady Hawks let early lead slip away, Portageville wins 43-34 (12/14/12)
sports@standard-democrat.com BENTON -- If there's one thing that the Kelly Lady Hawks have struggled with early this season it's holding on to early leads. Thursday night was no different as the Lady Hawks saw a six-point halftime advantage against Portageville disappear as a big second half lifted the Lady Bulldogs to a 43-34 win...

Seventh grade Bulldogs finish undefeated (12/14/12)
sports@standard-democrat.com JACKSON -- The Sikeston seventh grade boys basketball team finished their season with a perfect 12-0 record following a 52-35 win over Jackson Thursday. On top of finishing undefeated, this Bulldogs team had the most wins for any seventh grade team in it's short existence. It's also the third time in the last five years Sikeston has had a seventh grade program the Bulldogs posted a spotless record...

Lady Bluejays bust through in second half, Oran falls to South Pemiscot on the road (12/14/12)
sports@standard-democrat.com CHARLESTON -- The Charleston Lady Bluejays turned a one-point halftime lead into a 69-53 win against Delta Thursday night. Charleston outscored the Lady Bobcats 22-10 in the third quarter to take a 13-point advantage into the final frame...

Senior dominance (12/13/12)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- Sikeston's Jacob Stinnett has liked what he's seen so far. Stinnett is one of five seniors who lead the Bulldogs wrestling team which has enjoyed great success so far in their young season. "I didn't really now what to expect from this team," Stinnett said thinking back before the season started. ...

Lady Eagles take care of Hayti 61-24 (12/13/12)
sports@standard-democrat.com NEW MADRID -- The New Madrid County Central Lady Eagles didn't get much a fight Wednesday when visiting Hayti came to town looking to deny them their fifth-straight win to start the season. Led by Karen McGloson's 18-point effort, the Lady Eagles took a 19-point lead by the end of the first quarter and continued to roll en rout to a 61-24 win...

Sikeston ninth grade blasts by Jackson, Jr. High splits with Tigers (12/13/12)
sports@standard-democrat.com JACKSON -- The Sikeston ninth grade basketball team rolled past Jackson Wednesday night 61-29. Earnest Fobbs led the Bulldogs with 16 points as Sikeston cruised out to a 10-5 lead after the first quarter and then extended their advantage to 26-16 at the half...

Tigart signs with Webster University (12/11/12)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- One of the area's top pitchers and Sikeston's go-to arm is headed to Webster University. Sikeston senior Trey Tigart recently inked his name on a letter of intent to play baseball for the Gorlocks in St. Louis...

Bulldogs seventh and eighth grade split with Poplar Bluff (12/11/12)
sports@standard-democrat POPLAR BLUFF -- The Sikeston boys seventh and eighth grade basketball team split with the Poplar Bluff Mules on the road Monday. The seventh grade rolled to a 70-41 victory, while the eighth grade fell 55-28. Fred Thatch led the seventh grade with 28 points, Bryce Bays added 14...

Sikeston remains No. 1 in polls, Charleston drops two spots (12/11/12)
SIKESTON -- After a thrilling 71-61 win over the Charleston Bluejays, the Sikeston Bulldogs (6-0) continue their hold on the top spot in Class 4 according to the MBCA/MOsports Basketball poll recently released. Charleston (5-1) dropped to third in Class 3 after opening the season as the top-ranked team. Madison Prep (5-0) now stands at No. 1 while Maplewood (5-1) holds the second spot...

Bluejays earn top seed in Christmas tournament (12/11/12)

Charleston's Trey Watkins tries to save a loose ball from going out of bounds Friday during the SEMO Conference championship game at the Sikeston Field House.

Sikeston survives late push from Cape Central 61-52 (12/07/12)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- The Sikeston Bulldogs have shown that they can get out of the gates quickly at the start of games. Now they've got to learn how to finish. After leading by as much as 24 points, the Bulldogs had to withstand a furious rally by Cape Central, holding on to win 61-52 on Thursday in the semifinal round of the SEMO Conference Tournament at the Sikeston Field House...

Bluejays cruise by Notre Dame (12/07/12)
sports@standard-democrat.com SIKESTON -- To say the Charleston Bluejays controlled the second half of their SEMO Conference semifinal game against Notre Dame would be an understatement. After allowing the Bulldogs to hang within nine points heading into halftime, the Bluejays flat out dominated the third quarter when Notre Dame was held to only one basket through nearly seven minutes of play...

Lady Devils advance to finals, Risco defeats Delta C-7 86-77 (12/07/12)
sports@standard-democrat.com CHAFFEE -- The Chaffee Lady Devils punched their ticket to the finals of their own tournament Thursday with a 51-44 win over East Prairie at Chaffee High School during the Lady Devils Invitational Tournament. Chaffee, the tournament's sixth seed, received 27 points from freshman Julia Sutterfield. Ellie Sigman added another 15 in the win...

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