Bernie, Missouri - As one of the strongest rival games in Southeast Missouri, the Dexter Bearcats traveled to Bernie to take on the Bernie Mules Friday night.  With the expected crowd to be at capacity, many fans arrived early to the local gym that has been affectionately named the "Mule Barn".  Most teams are supported by their fan base, but the Mules vs the Bearcats is simply a contest on an entirely differently level. 

Bernie was the favored team in the contest and were coming off a very disappointing loss to the Caruthersville Tigers this past Tuesday evening.  The Bearcats, on the other hand, were riding a winning high with victories in their past two games against the Woodland Cardinals and the Bloomfield Wildcats. 

The Bearcats came out with a physical aggressive defense against Bernie in the first quarter.  In a see saw battle, the Bearcats were able to gain a slight 4-point lead over the Mules by the end of the first quarter.  D.J. Dowdy was rock solid at the charity stripe for the Cats hitting four of four attempts plus a field goal. 

Bernie continued to battle against the Bearcats high pressure defense and cut the Bearcat lead by one going into half with Dexter leading 27 to 25.  Austin Richardson hit a nice three-point shot in the quarter for the 'Cats while David Baker for the Mules added 8-points and Landon Woods sunk a 3-point shot.

The contest was as expected, very physical.  Throughout the first half, the Bearcats maintained control of the game allowing Bernie to get close, but never allowing them to get ahead.  But everyone knew that the second half would be a true battle by both squads. 

Chase Young immediately began to show his senior leadership as he dropped in a long 3-point shot and 2 field goals in the third quarter.  Dowdy, Brad Potts and Jordan Miller all contributed a field goal gaining back the 4-point lead by the end of the 3rd.

Down on the scoreboard, Coach Brad Botsch ignited a fire in his Bernie Mules team as they increased their intensity and their full court pressure on Dexter.  Dexter became a little scattered for a time period dealing with the press, but was able to regain their composure.

D.J. Dowdy hit a key three point shot in the fourth quarter along with two free throws, while Chase Young maintained his steady shot at the charity stripe.  Chase was 5 for 5 on free throws with a field goal in the fourth to help the Bearcats stay in the game.  But David Baker dropped in 6-points and a three-pointer by B.J. Jennings gave the Mules the lead late in the final period. 

With only nine seconds remaining in the game, freshman Chandler Young was able to break away with the basketball and with the calm of an upper classman, deliver the winning basket for Dexter.  The Bearcats were able to grab the upset victory over the Bernie Mules by a final score of 54 to 53.

"I'm proud of our boys as they overcame the pressure late in the game to get the win," said Coach Rob Nichols after the game.  "This is what high school basketball is and we are happy to come out on top."

"We played well against Bernie, and this is a quality win for us," added Nichols.  "Bernie is a very good team and a favorite in class 2 to make the final four again."

It has been a difficult week for the highly talented Bernie Mules.  Coach Brad Botsch continues to put good basketball teams on the floor year in and year out.

"Tough loss," commented the disappointed Botsch.  "Dexter outplayed and out-competed us for about 3 quarters.  They were the tough team tonight and did the things down the stretch better than we did."

"They (Dexter) did a good job making us shoot the ball from the outside and we didn't convert our opportunities," added Coach Botsch.  "Until we get better guard play and more consistent shooting, we are going to continue to struggle."

"Dexter was the better team tonight," said Botsch.  "and we are going to have to work hard to get better."

Bernie will try to redeem themselves and will take on the Bloomfield Wildcats next Tuesday at home.  Dexter will be at home as well against the Puxico Indians.