Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Bearcats were able to capture their first win of the 2012-13 basketball season Friday night as they defeated the Richland Rebels at home by a score of 73 to 40. 

After struggling offensively in the opening games this year against the strong opponents of Charleston (27-70), Sikeston (23-55) and Jackson (23-55), the Bearcats were able to find strong performances by senior Chase Young and junior D. J. Dowdy to combine for 43-points.  Young was the leading scorer on the night with 22-points and Dowdy followed with 21-points.

As an injured and young team, the 'Cats have faced this season by putting together the pieces of a frazzled puzzle.  Tonight was a well deserved victory for their hard work and hope that the season will improve as they move forward.

Not only were the 'Cats facing a hustling Richland Rebels team, but the Rebels are anchored by a 6' 11" center, Richard Forshee.  Forshee was a powerful postman around the basket most of the night, but the Bearcats were able to battle the size with aggressive athleticism.

The Bearcats jumped out to a 14 to 11 first quarter lead.  The 'Cats broadened their lead to eleven points by scoring 25-points in the second quarter, compared to only 17-points by the Rebels.  Chase Young added 5 of 6 free throws attempted to help his team.

Still in reach of the Bearcats, the second half was expected to be a true battle.  But halftime adjustment found Brad Potts and other 'Cats dominating the boards and taking away the inside game of the Rebels.  Richland was only able to post 9-points in the third quarter, allowing the Bearcats to open up a lead of 62 to 37 prior to the beginning of the final quarter.

The Bearcats held strong in the fourth quarter as Dexter added an additional 11-points.  The Bearcats eased into their first varsity win on the season defeating the Rebels by final score of 73 to 40. 

Besides Young and Dowdy, Brad Potts delivered 12-points on the night.  Additional points and excellent play was also given by Jordan Miller with 6-points, Ryan Joyner and Austin Aldridge with 4-points and Austin Richards and Nick Noble chipped in 2-points.

The junior varsity was given a different format on the evening with only two quarters being played.  The Bearcats were able to win the contest by a score of 31 to 22.

Leading scorers at the JV level were Blake Horton with 9-points, Chandler Young with 8-points and Austin Chesser with 6-points.  Ethan Flowers added 4-points on the night and Jacob Pedigo and Jacob Murdock each scored 2-points.

The Bearcats will catch a break in the action until the Bloomfield Christmas Tournament begins on December 26th.  Their next regular season game will be against the Woodland Cardinals on January 4th at the Bearcat Event Center in Dexter.