Bulldogs roll past Blytheville in season opener

BLYTHEVILLE, Ark., -- The Sikeston Bulldogs couldn't have asked for a better start to the season.

The Bulldogs rolled past Blytheville, Ark., Tuesday night 79-34 at Blytheville High School.

"I really thought we played well as a team," Sikeston head coach Gregg Holifield said. "We had good pressure on the basketball, we worked hard, we rebounded well and I thought we were physical.

"More importantly, I thought offensively and defensively we really played well together."

Vashawn Ruffins and J.T. Jones each led the Bulldogs with 16 points apiece. Ruffin added nine assists and shot 6 of 8 from the field while Jones grabbed 12 rebounds.

Markieth Bratcher added 13 points and four steals. Both Reese Porter and Jairius Ray hauled in eight rebounds as well.

At one point, the Bulldogs (1-0) spouted off a 19-0 run in the first quarter on their way to a 26-9 lead after the first eight minutes.

"We were aggressive," Holifield said. "We came out and did some good things early. We set the tempo and were really working hard defensively.

"That allowed us to get the ball out and do some things which is to our advantage, no doubt."

Sikeston scored another 26 points in the second quarter while holding the Chickasaws to 12 for a commanding 52-21 advantage at halftime.

Ruffin scored 13 of his 16 in the first half. Jones had 11 points in the first two quarters.

The Bulldogs shot 50 percent from behind the arc. Ruffin was a perfect three for three.

As a team, Sikeston shot 57 percent from the field, totaled 17 steals and grabbed 45 rebounds.

"Our players have really been working hard and they've had some good practices," said Holifield. "We know we have to continue. It's every day. You cant' take plays, quarters, or days off. You've got to work as hard as you can every day and our players have been consistent so far."

Junior varsity

The Sikeston junior varsity team also pulled out a victory, 53-43 over Blytheville Tuesday.

Zach Harrison led the Bulldogs with 15 points. Dantrell Brown and Earnest Fobbs each contributed 11 and 10 respectively.

BLYTHEVILLE (34) -- Larry Bolden 8, Dmarques Evans 3, Jarrod Bates 3, Floyd Bolden 2, Jerrod Knowles 2, Johnae Guyton 1, Nordenes McKillion 4, Shaquille Smith 9. FG 13 FT 5-7 F 18. (3-pointers: Bolden 1, Evans 1, Bates 1. Fouled out: none.)

SIKESTON (79) -- Zach Jackson 2, Jairius Ray 9, Cord Sheehy 5, Tyler Anderson 3, Vashawn Ruffin 16, J.T. Jones 16, Reese Porter 7, Jeterrence Harris 8, Markeith Bratcher 13. FG 32 FT 9-20 F 13. (3-pointers: Sheehy 1, Anderson 1, Ruffin 3, Bratcher 1. Fouled out: none.)