Sikeston had three players score in double digits, but it was still not enough to overcome the Lift for Life Hawks and their dynamic duo on the night, junior guards DeMarcus Sanford Jr. and Rico Singleton. Lift for Life proved that they aren’t afraid to go eight to ten deep in order to maintain the break neck pace of their defensive and offensive systems. In a contest that saw Sikeston fight their way into a late lead midway through the fourth quarter, Lift for Life would end up with 9 players contributing to their 70-66 win over the Bulldogs.
Lift for Life was led by 2021 Demarcus Sanford Jr. with 21 points. The athletic guard drilled five three pointers including one launched from the cheap seats to push the Hawks to their largest lead of the contest. Junior guard Rico Singleton joined Sanford in the offensive assault by tallying 19 points. The two-sport star used his foot speed and aggressive style of play to attack downhill and rope in seven rebounds. Junior guard BJ Jackson chipped in eight points and eight rebounds.
Sikeston was paced by 2021 Leroy Atkins who kept the Bulldogs in striking distance by making contributions on both sides of the ball. Atkins nailed threes attacked the boards and came away with steals. The junior finished with 19 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals. Senior Payton Howard added 18 points. The athletic Howard scored on pull up shots in the midrange and athletic finishes at the rim. Howard chipped in three assists and four rebounds to go along with his scoring effort. Sikeston 2021 Lontas McClinton scored 17 points and cleared 14 boards.
