SEMO Conference Showdown. Jackson vs. Sikeston Top Five Stars

Earl Austin February 21, 2026 @ 04:44 PM

One of the top games in the state last night was the showdown between Jackson vs. visiting Sikeston for the SEMO Conference championship.   Both teams are enjoying great seasons as Sikeston entered the game with a 22-2 record while Jackson came in with a 22-1 record.   It was an electric atmosphere in Jackson's gym as a crowd of 2,220 were on hand to witness what was an instant class. In the end, it was Sikeston who came away with a 65-61 victory and another SEMO Conference championship.   Here is a look at the Top Five Stars from the Sikeston-Jackson game.   NO. 1 STAR: [player_tooltip player_id='2573853' first='Shaun' last='Cole Jr']. (Sikeston)   The 6'1" 2028 guard had a tremendous game as he came off the bench to score a game-high 19 points. He made an immediate impact when he entered the game with an impressive seven-point riff. He scored on an offensive rebound, hit a transition 3-pointer, then had a steal and a transition dunk. that sequence really got the Sikeston fans in the building going. He is a smooth scoring threat with 3-point shooting range and the ability to create his own shot off the dribble. He is one of the top young prospects in the SEMO area.     NO. 2 STAR: Jon Ernst (Jackson)   The 6'8" 2028 forward scored 14 points and played a very impressive game around the basket. He is another top young prospect in the SEMO area with a bright future. He showed good fundamentals inside with his ability to catch the ball and keep it high to finish. He used the pump fake well and he could also pass it from the high post. He was also rebounding the ball well and impact play on the defensive end with his shot blocking.     NO. 3 STAR: [player_tooltip player_id='1894979' first='Kobe' last='Thomas'] (Sikeston)   The 5'11" 2026 point guard scored 11 points and displayed some impressive shot making and shot creation. In the first half, he created a nice step-back 3-pointer that swished through the net. He hit a tough runner in the lane that was well guarded and he also hit a stop and pop turnaround jumper from about 10 feet. He looked like an old school guard out there playing with the younger guys on the playground and getting buckets.     NO. 4 STAR: Blayne Reagan (Jackson)   The 5'11" 2027 guard scored a team-high 15 points. He scored on some tough takes in the lane while also hitting a couple of 3-pointers. He is a good athlete who did a good job of getting two feet in the paint with the jump stop. He finished well in traffic. He also used an effective shot fake to lift a defender and set up an impressive drive for a bucket.     NO. 5 STAR(S): Ty Forest (Jackson)   The 6'1" 2027 guard scored 13 points while showing a versatile offensive game. He hit a 3-pointer from the corner to start the game, then he started to attack the offensive boards where he scored on a couple of putbacks. He got into the lane well where he operated off two feet very effectively.     [player_tooltip player_id='1789998' first='Marquel' last='Murray'] (Sikeston):   The 6'4" 2026 guard scored 11 points as he played a very controlled offensive game. He displayed some good court vision early to pass over the top of the defense for some easy scoring opportunities. He can get his own shot at just about anytime as his handles are good and he can elevate over defenders in the lane or on the jumper.

One of the top games in the state last night was the showdown between Jackson vs. visiting Sikeston for the SEMO Conference championship.