By Andrew Cato, ShowMe Times Sports Editor

The top-seeded, host Dexter Bearcats faced off against the No. 8 Bell City Cubs in the nightcap of Day 1 at the 2012 Stoddard County Tournament. The Cubs were able to hang with Dexter for the first quarter, but an offensive surge in the second propeled the Bearcats to a double-digit lead and a 90-47 victory.

Shane Hughes rejected Dexter's first shot of the contest, but a steal from Cody Neldon led to a bucket for Jake Lee and a four-point run for the 'Cats. Brad Potts knocked down a three for the 'Cats, but was quickly answered by Jerad Yates. Aaron Smith hit a trey on the Cubs' next possession. Yates tacked on another three a minute later, but this time D.J. Dowdy responded for the 'Cats. Dexter held on to a 20-14 lead after the opening frame.

Neldon and Chase Young knocked down back-to-back threes for the 'Cats to open the second quarter. Miller came up with a steal and missed a 12-footer, but Jake Lee was there for a stickback to give the 'Cats a 14 point lead at the 5:40 mark. Young hit another trey late in the frame to send the 'Cats in the locker room with a 45-26 advantage at halftime.

McKenzie Vires compelted a three point play for the Cubs to open the second half, but Bell City never pulled within 16 for the rest of the third. Miller put up 10 points in the third, while Lee continually pulled down defensive rebounds to give the 'Cats a commanding 74-39 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Miller knocked down another three at the 5:00 mark to give the 'Cats a 40 point lead. Jordan Fitts chippped in a trey on the next possession, while a pair of free throws from Matt Ridlen in the closing seconds of the contest put the final score at 90-47 in Dexter's favor.

The 'Cats had four players in double figures in the blowout win; Miller and Lee led the way with 21 and 20 respective points, while Potts added 15 and Young put in 11 points.

Yates and Vires led the Cubs with 17 and 11 points.

Dexter will move on to face the winner of the No. 4/No. 5 contest between Bloomfield and Puxico; the Bearcats sport regular-season wins over both teams.

Tip is set for 8:30 p.m. on Thursday (Jan. 26) night.

Editor's Note: The Bearcats have seemed to put their early-season struggles at the free throw line out of their minds for the time being. The 'Cats have shown steady improvment over the last few games, including tonight's 10-of-14 effort from the stripe.