By Staff Writer, ShowMe Times Sports

With a championship waiting in the wings, the 8th Grade Lady Bearcat basketball team was in action tonight against the Jackson Indians in the final game of the 2011/12 Dexter Invitational Basketball Tournament. The pregame talk was this was going to be a good contest as the Lady ‘Cats would be taking on the Jackson Indians.

Jackson has a very competitive team, defeating both Cape and Cairo in the previous tournament games on Saturday. Dexter arrived to the championship match having a bye in the first round and defeating the Puxico Indians by a score of 60 to 27.

The Bearcats didn’t take long to turn the scoring machine on against the Jackson Indians, as Melissa McKuin piled up four-points in the first quarter for the ‘Cats. Dakota Reynolds nailed a three pointer and a field goal, along with MaKayla Waldner with two points, to give the Bearcats a first quarter lead of 11 to 6.

The second quarter was all about defense as the Lady Bearcats only allowed 2-points by the Indians, while they continued their scoring spree. Reynolds added another 5 points in the quarter giving Dexter a 21 to 8 lead at halftime.

Unfortunately for the Bearcats, MaKayla Waldner received a leg injury in the third quarter of the game and was temporarily sidelined. But a little ice, a little TLC and a whole lot of determination by Waldner, she re-entered the game overcoming the pain of the injury.

McKuin and Reynolds picked up the slack for the team by adding six points, while Karaline Keirsey dropped in two free throws. Jackson added six points of their own the third quarter.

But the power of the Lady Bearcats was very evident as the fourth quarter began. With Waldner back in the game and the Bearcats at full strength, the 8th Grade team began a 13 to 4 run to capture the championship of the tournament.

The Lady Bearcats continue to dominate the floor against opponents. The Jackson Indians had a deep bench and gave their best effort, but ultimately, the speed and aggressive play of the Bearcats won out in the end. These Lady ‘Cats are fun to watch and bring a lot of action to girl’s basketball.

In other tournament action, Puxico defeated Cape for a Third place trophy. In the consolation game, Sikeston beat Charleston.

Both 7th and 8th Grade Lady Bearcats will resume regular season action on Tuesday, October 25th against the Twin Rivers Royals.