By Andrew Cato, ShowMe Times Sports Editor

Your top-seeded team for the 2012 SCAA Tournament is the defending champion Dexter Bearcats!

Coach Rob Nichlols’ squad have put together a 7-9 record so far this season, but are a perfect 4-0 in SCAA play. The Bearcats posted blowout wins over Richland and Woodland, and hold a 15 point victory over the Bloomfield Wildcats; DHS tacked on a 10 point decision over the Puxico Indians last week.

“The goal every year is to win it,” Nichols said. “We’re going to come out, play hard, and do our best to put ourselves in a position to win.”

“I think the kids are excited to get to play on their own floor,” he continued. “Hopefully we’ll be able to put on a good show for the home crowd.”

The Bearcats are led by seniors Tyler Miller and Jake Lee. Both measure in at 6’3”, and are consistently one-two in scoring. Miller tends to play out on the wing, while Lee handles paint duties for the ‘Cats.

Sophomore Cody Neldon is establishing himself as a serious threat on both ends of the floor. The 5’10” guard has really come out of his shell since the Bloomfield Christmas Tournament, and is one of the Bearcats’ best penetration threats.

The Bearcats pulled in the No. 5 seed in the JV bracket; the young ‘Cats will face No. 4 Woodland, while the Varsity squad will take on No. 8 Bell City, in the opening round of the tournament.

The ‘Cats are in a unique situation this year: not only are the hosting the tournament, but they are defending their 2011 SCAA titles in all three areas (Varsity, JV, and Cheer) of the tournament.

The JV ‘Cats will get things underway in the 4:30 contest on Monday afternoon, while the Varsity squad will close Monday’s games in the 7:30 p.m. contest.