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Articles by Dennis Marshall
Sikeston blanks Cape, DeSoto as Sims climbs to No. 2 on career list
SIKESTON — For the first time since 2018, Sikeston walked off Bill Lawson Memorial Field with more than just frustration against Cape Central — they walked off with a win, a shutout and another milestone for their star forward. The Bulldogs beat the Tigers 3–0 on Tuesday, April 14, then followed it with a 5–0 road win at DeSoto two days later, improving to 3–1 in SEMO Conference play. It’s also the first time since 2018 they’ve been at least .500 in the league.
Raised in it, rebuilt for it: Ben James leaves as the true definition of a Sikeston Bulldog
Long before Ben James was on a Final Four team, he was the coach’s kid on the Sikeston bus, checking out of school early, soaking in every press, every huddle, every long ride home. Now, on a roster that had been good enough to chase a state title, James was finally in the pictures he’d grown up studying — not as the leading scorer, but as the no‑nonsense point guard whose ankle was rebuilt, whose confidence had to be too, and whose game quietly mirrored everything Sikeston says it is.
A name, a moment and the next chapter: Sikeston's Shaun Cole Jr. adds to family legacy
SIKESTON — For most of his life, the biggest March moment with “Cole” on it belonged to his dad. Shaun Cole Sr. was the Richland star — the 28‑a‑night senior who turned a tiny gym into a state‑title launching pad. Three decades later, it’s his son writing the next line in one of the deepest basketball bloodlines this part of Missouri has seen. This one started in a corner.
Cole’s corner 3 sends Sikeston past Vianney, back to the Final Four
PARK HILLS, Mo. — For the past three straight seasons, Sikeston lived in what might as well be called quarterfinal purgatory. On Saturday at Park Hills Central, a corner 3-pointer from sophomore Shaun Cole Jr. finally pulled the Bulldogs out and into their first Final Four since 2018, capping a 62–60 upset of Vianney in the Class 5 quarterfinals. “I’ve taken that exact same shot over 1,000 times this week,” Cole said. “So when the moment came, I did my thing.
Portageville’s historic run ends in state championship game
COLUMBIA, Mo. — The final score was ugly. The tape might be worse. But nothing about this season deserves to be remembered that way. Portageville walked into Mizzou Arena on Thursday night playing for the first state championship in program history — the furthest any girls team had ever climbed — finishing a four-year buildup that changed expectations, rewrote record boards and left the place forever different than they found it.
Portageville pushes history further, advances to first state championship game
COLUMBIA, Mo. — The first trip to the Final Four made history. The second one sent the bar even higher. Portageville defeated Barstow 52-43 on Wednesday, March 11 at Mizzou Arena, sending the Bulldogs (25-5, 7-0 Bootheel) to the Class 2 championship game for the first time. “I played at Portageville and poured my heart and soul into the program,” coach Kellye Fowler said.
Cape Central season ends against Farmington in district quarterfinal
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — Cape Central's season ended against Farmington the same way much of it unfolded — fighting to stay within reach before a deeper, more experienced opponent eventually pulled away. The No. 7-seeded Tigers (9-17, 3-5 SEMO) ran into that reality again on Tuesday, March 4, falling 68-36 to the No. 2-seeded Knights (20-7, 5-0 MAAA) in the Class 5 District 1 quarterfinals at Cape Central High School. “Our guys fought,” said Cape Central coach Lamont Frazier.
‘Nobody’ mindset driving Farmer into first season at SEMO
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — PJ Farmer walked into SEMO this summer with a résumé most freshmen would love to flex — multiple player of the year awards, conference titles, all-state nods and a state ring before he could drive. But once workouts started, none of it mattered because reputation doesn’t buy minutes in Division I. So he stripped it down. New gym. New teammates. Same ball. “I just had to look at it like I was a nobody,” Farmer said.
Death of Ross Lyon football - now with exciting grammar debate
#15 A congested, stoppage filled gameplan with aging bodies was always going meet its demise with the newly introduced interchange cap this year. I think all those factors combine. Agree with a previous poster, remind me of St Kilda 2011. Look slow and stodgy and overly reliant on Fyfe
West Memphis boys go 1-1 Riverbend Classic
Blue Devils fall to New Madrid, top Normandy in hoops action By DENNIS MARSHALL SemoBall.com NEW MADRID, Mo. — In a display of both _repower and _nesse, New Madrid County Central ignited its season with an emphatic 80-63 victory over West Memphis in the RiverBend Shootout on Friday, Nov. 24.
Electrifying performance from Mason Adams powers Portageville to third straight district crown
PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. — A storm was a brewing during the MSHSAA Class 2 District 1 Championship, but it had nothing to do with the weather. The thunder came from the bat of Mason Adam, who finished the title game with a pair of triples and five RBIs on a 3-for-4 performance at the plate. The Portageville sophomore also displayed lightning speed on the base path and provided the team with ferocious energy and excitement during an 11-1 win over South Pemiscot on Wednesday, May 18 at Meatte Park.
Portageville leaves no doubt with 11-1 win over South Pemiscot in C2D1 Championship
By Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat PORTAGEVILLE, Mo. — The Portageville baseball team claimed its fourth district crown in the past five seasons with an emphatic win over South Pemiscot on Wednesday, May 18.
FOUR-PEAT: Oran wins C1D2 title 11-3 over Advance
By Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat ADVANCE, Mo. — It wasn’t perfect, but for the fourth consecutive played season Oran captured the MSHSAA Class 1 District 2 Championship. The top-seeded Eagles (17-3, 6-0 Scott-Mississippi Conference) overcame some blunders and a rally to win 11-3 against the second-seeded Advance Hornets (11-12, 0-4 Stoddard County Activities Association) in the title game at Westfield Park in Advance, Mo., on Tuesday, May 17.
'Battle Back Bluejays' strike again in C3D1 semifinal win over Malden
By Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat MALDEN, Mo. — Charleston pulled off an incredible comeback in an 8-6 win over Malden. The third-seeded Bluejays (10-13, 2-5 Scott-Mississippi Conference) breathed new life into the MSHSAA Class 3 District 1 Semifinal with a five-run sixth inning comeback at Malden High School on Monday, May 16. “I’m extremely proud to be a Bluejay today,” said Charleston coach Michael Minner. “That’s a big win for our program and community.
East Prairie advances to C3D1 title game after 11-1 win over NMCC
MALDEN, Mo. — Strong hitting and early runs powered East Prairie past New Madrid County Central in the MSHSAA Class 3 District 1 Semifinals. The top-seeded Eagles (20-5, 7-1 Scott-Mississippi Conference) registered 13 hits and advanced to the district title game for the third consecutive season with a five-inning 11-1 win over the fifth-seeded Eagles (9-13, 1-4 SEMO Conference) at Malden High School on Monday, May 16.
New Madrid County Central upsets Twin Rivers in C3D1 tourney
By Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat MALDEN, Mo. — New Madrid County Central used patient at-bats, smart base running and timely hitting to knock off Twin Rivers in a quarterfinal of the MSHSAA Class 3 District 1 Tournament. The fifth-seeded Eagles (9-12, 1-4 SEMO Conference) won 7-1 over the Royals (12-9, 1-2 Ozark Foothills Conference) at Malden High School on Saturday, May 14. “We did everything we needed to do and played well in every phase of the game,” said NMCC coach Joesph McClarty.
Charleston battles back against Caruthersville in the C3D1 quarterfinal
MALDEN, Mo. — Third-seeded Charleston completed a dramatic extra-inning comeback win over sixth-seeded Caruthersville with a walk-off hit in the opening round of the MSHSAA Class 3 District 1 Tournament at Malden High School on Saturday, May 14. The Bluejays (9-13, 2-5 Scott-Mississippi Conference) won 9-8 in eight innings after rallying to tie the game in the bottom of the seventh inning and scoring the winning run the following inning.
Sophomores stepping up as Oran is set for rematch with Holcomb in state quarterfinal
SIKESTON — This group has already left a lasting legacy for Oran softball with back-to-back MSHSAA Class 1 District 2 Championship, but there’s still work to be done. In a rematch from last season, the Lady Eagles (14-5, 3-1 Scott-Mississippi Conference) will face the Holcomb Lady Hornets (25-6, 5-0 Tri-County Conference) at 4:30 p.m. in an MSHSAA Class 1 State Quarterfinal at Oran High School on Tuesday, May 17.
Sikeston senior Andrew Faire heading to state meet
SIKESTON, Mo. — Andrew Faire battled through harsh winds and wet conditions to earn a trip to the MSHSAA Class 4 State Meet at Meadow Lake Acres Country Club in New Bloomfield, Mo., on Monday, May 16. The Sikeston senior earned the opportunity after shooting an 88 and 12th place finish at the district meet at Crown Pointe Golf Club in Farmington, Mo., on May 9. “It was definitely the best I have played there and it was in the worse conditions,” Faire said.
Portageville wins Bootheel Conference Championship in a shootout
By Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat MALDEN, Mo. — Portageville notched 20 hits in a five-inning 19-9 win over Malden in the Bootheel Conference Championship at Malden High School on Tuesday, May 10. It’s the Bulldogs (25-3, 4-1 Bootheel Conference) third conference tournament title in the past decade, also winning it in 2019 and 2014, and the fourth consecutive season the team has won either a tournament or regular-season title.
Champs Again: Oran captures second straight C1D2 title with win over Risco/Gideon
By Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat ORAN, Mo. — Top-seeded Oran withstood a tough test and a late rally from third-seeded Risco/Gideon to win its second consecutive MSHSAA Class 1 District 2 Championship at Oran High School on Wednesday, May 11. The Lady Eagles (14-5, 3-1 Scott-Mississippi Conference) jumped out to a controlling lead but the Lady Tigers (17-12, 5-1 Tri-County Conference) refused to go down without a fight.
Senciboy’s home run lifts Oran past Kelly in 1-0 game
By Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat BENTON, Mo. —Oran has added some impressive hardware to the trophy case during Joe Bickings' eight-year tenure as coach, but one title had eluded the team until now, a Scott-Mississippi Conference Championship. The Eagles (5-3, 6-0 Scott-Mississippi Conference) won 1-0 against the Hawks (14-10, 5-2 Scott Mississippi) at Kelly High School on Wednesday, May 11. “It feels good to win the conference as this is the first time,” Bickings said.
Risco/Gideon takes out Bernie in semifinals of C1D2 Tournament
ORAN, Mo. — Third-seeded Risco/Gideon avenged an early-season loss with a 14-5 win over second-seeded Bernie in a semifinal of the MSHSAA Class 1 District 2 Tournament at Oran High School on Tuesday, May 10. The Lady Tigers (17-11, 5-1 Tri-County Conference) led the entire game and pulled away late from the Lady Mules (16-13, 3-1 Stoddard County Activities Association). It was the first game of the tournament a lower-seeded team came away victorious.
Oran advances to district championship with a comeback win over Delta
ORAN, Mo. — There’s just one obstacle left standing between top-seeded Oran and a second consecutive MSHSAA Class 1 District 2 Championship after defeating fourth-seeded Delta in a semifinal. The Lady Eagles (13-5, 3-1 Scott-Mississippi Conference) were tested by the Ladycats (7-6, 2-1 Scott-Mississippi Conference), but ultimately made the necessary plays to secure an 8-2 win at Oran High School on Tuesday, May 10.
C1D2 Softball Roundup: Delta, Risco/Gideon and Bernie win big in opening round
By Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat ORAN, Mo. — Fourth-seeded Delta made quick work of fifth-seeded Campbell with a three-inning 18-0 victory in the first round of MSHSAA Class 1 District 2 Tournament on Monday, May 9, at Oran High School. The Ladycats (7-5 2-1 Scott-Mississippi Conference) pounced on the Lady Camels (3-10, 1-2 Tri-County Conference) putting the game out of reach in the blink of an eye. “The team came out strong,” said Delta coach Jami Lacy.
Oran Lady Eagles glide by Scott County Central in opening round of district tournament
By Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat ORAN, Mo. — The road to defending the district title is underway for Oran after overwhelming Scott County Central on Monday, May 9. The Lady Eagles (12-5, 3-1 Scott-Mississippi) won 16-0 in a three-inning game over the Bravettes in the opening round of the MSHSAA Class 1 District 2 Tournament at Oran High School. “We came out and took care of business,” said Oran coach Jim Eftink. “That’s the approach I hope we take with us the rest of the way.
Sikeston turns to Shephard to lead the Lady Bulldogs program
SIKESTON — After a year of serving as the Sikeston girls junior high coach, Vaughn Shepard was recently announced as the new head coach of the Lady Bulldogs’ varsity program. Shepard led the eighth-grade squad to an 8-5 overall this past season. “I pursued the head coaching position because I feel like I have great leadership skills and could make a difference in the program and community,” Shephard said. “I know it’s a rebuilding year, but I am always up for a challenge.
Ready, set, go: Gabby Brown ready for postseason run with Dexter track
SIKESTON — Every athlete has days where they might struggle for the motivation to keep pushing themselves but the special ones find a way to persevere. Gabby Brown could’ve easily found an excuse to not be great, but the standout senior from Dexter has proven to be extraordinary with her dedication and determination. The Tennessee-Martin signee was named the Most Valuable Track Athlete of the SEMO Conference Meet at Cape Central High School on April 29.
Oran pulls away from Sikeston in final inning
SIKESTON — There was plenty of back-and-forth action in Oran’s 9-3 victory over Sikeston at VFW Stadium in Sikeston, Mo., on Wednesday, May 4. The score was tied 2-2 before the Eagles (13-3, 6-0 Scott-Mississippi Conference) found solid footing at the plate in the final inning and spoiled the Bulldogs’ (5-19, 2-5 SEMO Conference) senior night. “ We were able to come in and stay focused the whole game,” said Oran coach Joe Bickings.
Carson Beaird excelling in his first season on the golf course
SIKESTON — It may be the first time Carson Beaird has played competitive golf, but he’s developed into one of Sikeston’s top players through hard work, dedication and a passion for the game. The 6-foot-5-inch senior made the transition to the Bulldogs’ golf program this season after playing baseball for the past several years. “I love Sikeston baseball, coach [Josh] Hopkins and I really miss my baseball guys,” Beaird said.
Portageville gets redemption against South Pemiscot in Bootheel Tournament
By Dennis Marshall/Standard Democrat STEELE, Mo. — Portageville (22-3, 4-1 Bootheel Conference) avenged an early loss with 6-0 win over South Pemiscot (12-3, 4-1) in the semifinals of Bootheel Conference Tournament at South Pemiscot High School on Wednesday, May 4. “Today we had great pitching and defense,” said Portageville coach Tyler Trover . Trey [Benthal] had all of his pitches working for him and our defense was stellar behind him.
Photo gallery: Sikeston's senior night shut out of Massac County (Ill.) (5/4/22)
Sikeston senior Kelsie Anderson, along with her parents Felecia and Kelvin Anderson stand for a photo before Sikeston's 4-0 senior night win over Massac County (Ill.) at Sikeston Recreation Complex on Tuesday, May 3. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat) Sikeston senior Karris Allen, along with her parents Dawna and Marc Allen stand for a photo before Sikeston's 4-0 senior night win over Massac County (Ill.) at Sikeston Recreation Complex on Tuesday, May 3.
Sikeston shuts out Massac County (Ill.) on senior night
By Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat SIKESTON — The Sikeston girls soccer team honored its seniors with a 4-0 shutout of Massac County (Ill.) at the Sikeston Recreation Complex on Tuesday, May 3. It was one of the Lady Bulldogs’ top performances of the season, maintaining possession for nearly 80 percent of the game and finishing with 25 shots on goal and 41 total shots in the senior night victory. “We played with a lot of aggression winning the 50-50 balls,” said Sikeston coach Gabe Dement.
Photo gallery: SEMO Conference Golf Meet at Fox Haven Country Club (5/3/22)
Sikeston's Henry Ardnt hits a shot out of the bunker during the 2022 SEMO Conference Golf Meet at Fox Haven Country Club in Sikeston, Mo., on Monday, May 2. (Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat) Caruthersville's Brent Ayres watches his shot sail towards the hole during the 2022 SEMO Conference Golf Meet at Fox Haven Country Club in Sikeston, Mo., on Monday, May 2.
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