Medlin, Lady Bulldogs down Scott City, 49-48

SCOTT CITY -- Sikeston's girls basketball team won a 49-48 thriller over Scott City on Thursday night, improving to 12-6 on the season.

Jennifer Medlin hit the game-winning shot and led Sikeston's offense with 19 points overall.

"Jennifer is learning she can do more than just shoot the three," said Sikeston coach Lee Brooks. "She can go inside, and she's our top free throw shooter. She listens well, tries hard and gives it everything she's got. She's a gutsy player."

The Lady Bulldogs fell into a 17-12 hole in the first quarter, but managed to shave Scott City's lead at halftime down to two points.

The Lady Rams increased their lead to 37-32 heading into the fourth quarter, but Sikeston rallied in the final period, trailing by one point with 14 seconds left.

The Lady Bulldogs got the ball to Joy Daniel in the paint, who drew three defenders. Daniel passed the ball to Medlin, who put up the game-winner with nine seconds left.

Scott City was unable to score in the final moments, giving Sikeston a 49-48 win.

"I saw a better team than I thought I would see," Brooks said of Scott City. "The girls weren't sharp tonight. We played Twin Rivers and then played Oran last night. We were just playing off of guts."

Daniel finished with 15 points and Ashley Johnson contributed seven. Stephanie Clark and Kerri Jones each contributed two.

Sophomore standout Loren Groves led the Scott City attack with 22 points.

"With the addition of Ashley Johnson, we have really come on as a team," said Brooks. "Tonight, I put her on Groves and she did a good job. Had we not had somebody in her face, Groves might have scored 42."

Sikeston will host Jackson on Monday and Kelly on Tuesday.

Sikeston also won the junior varsity game by one point, 33-32. Nyketia Johnson led the Lady Bulldogs with 12 points while Mia Welch contributed six.