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Sikeston Lady Bulldogs eager to showcase skills, smarts and winning attitude
Despite having a smaller roster, the Sikeston girls’ basketball team makes up for it with skills and smarts.
After a breakout season saw them more than double their win total from the previous year, the Lady Bulldogs are on the rise and expectations are sky-high for this young, talented.
“Our accomplishments this year will be achieved as a team and I think the fans need to focus on our team as a whole as we are on a mission to make history,” said second-year coach Vaughn Shephard. “Our short-term goals are to win a plaque or trophy in every tournament we play in this season. Long-term, we are focusing on a district title this season.”
Sikeston should be one of the top contenders in the SEMO Conference this season, driven by a core of returning starters who bring basketball IQ, scorers and paint protectors.
Pacing the team is senior Landri Hammontree, whose accolades include being an All-SEMO Conference selection and a Semoball Awards finalist for the past two seasons. She eclipsed the 1,000-point mark last season, averaging 18.7 points per game as a junior.
“[Hammontree] is a sharpshooter and can get to the basket at will,” Shephard said.
Notably, Hammontree led the SEMO Conference in scoring as a sophomore, with an impressive 20.7 points and 8.2 assists per game, while maintaining the highest free throw shooting percentage in the conference for two years running.
Complementing Hammontree’s offensive firepower is junior forward Marlie Crook, a six-foot enforcer in the post whose size and skill make her a valuable asset at the high school level.
“[Crook] is a great rim protector and is a great finisher at the basket,” Shephard said.
Crook’s ability to protect the rim and finish at the basket contributed to her 10.4 points per game last season. As she continues to develop, the potential to become one of the most dominant players in the area is there.
Sophomore guard Kennedi Sims is another key player who made an immediate impact as a freshman, averaging 10.2 points per game Sims, who also excels in soccer, was recognized with All-SEMO Conference, all-district, and all-region honors as a freshman.
“[Sims] is a fireball, she can handle the ball well, get to the basket at will and distribute the ball like no other,” Shephard said. “Her best asset will have to be her defense. She is so active on the defensive end and forces teams to turn over the ball.”
Sophomore forward Faith Calvin adds grit and hustle to the lineup, excelling in rebounding and physical play. Her relentless work ethic is a crucial component of the team’s strategy to outwork opponents on the court.
“[Calvin] is a great rebounder, she is physical and will outwork her opponent,” Shephard said. “We are looking forward to watching her grow.”
The Lady Bulldogs are not just relying on their returning stars; they are also bolstered by promising newcomers. Sophomore guard Kelly Coaker brings shooting and defensive intensity, while senior guard/forward Jo’Merrah Montjoy, now fully recovered from injuries, is poised to make a significant impact as a versatile role player.
“[Coaker] is a great rebounder and can run the floor well, who will be great for us this season,” Shephard said. “[Montjoy] is 100 percent healthy and will be good for us this season.”
Shephard emphasizes the team’s ability to “mix it up a little on the defensive end,” a strategy that has proven effective in forcing turnovers and disrupting opponents’ rhythm. However, he acknowledges that rebounding remains a critical area for improvement, a focus that will be addressed rigorously in practice sessions.
Offensively, Sikeston aims to maintain a fast-paced, high-scoring game, leveraging their speed and agility to push the ball and capitalize on scoring opportunities. This dynamic approach, coupled with a flexible defensive strategy, positions the Lady Bulldogs as a team to watch.
Sikeston will compete in Class 5, District 1 this season.