Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor
Farmington, Missouri – The Dexter Lady ‘Cats earned their second trip to the Show-Me Showdown Final Four in Columbia, Missouri with their victory over the Battle Spartans 75 – 31 on Saturday night.
Dexter jumped out to an amazing 13-point lead in the first three minutes of the first quarter with Alison Jarrell hitting the first points of the game with the first of four 3-pointers.
The ‘Cats dominated the Spartans from beginning to the final seconds of the game with their pressure defense. The Spartans scored on free throws early on with Dexter getting into some minor foul trouble, but that didn't stop the Lady 'Cats from pressuring the Spartans and wearing them down.
It took Battle several minutes to get their first point on the board with a free throw. Maya Mouton scored the Spartan’s first 2-point bucket with just three minutes left in the first quarter. Ellie Johnson made another basket off of a turnover a few seconds later, accounting for the Spartan’s only 2-point baskets in the first half. By the end of the second quarter it was Dexter 41 – Battle 21."We wanted to come out with a lot of pressure tonight and it cost us a little bit getting into foul trouble," stated head basketball coach Chad Allen. "That constant pressure really wore them down and helped us especially in the second half."
The Lady ‘Cats extended their lead early in the third quarter with a 20 point run. Alison Jarrell, Dakota Reynolds and Hannah Noe each hit a trey during the run as Dexter’s lead increased to 61 – 21.
"We came out in the second half. We knew they were getting tired. I think that constant pressure in the 3rd quarter really got to them and we extended our lead," commented Allen. "I was a little worried when we first came out and picked up a few fouls, but then we did a better job adjusting and playing defense."
Hannah Noe #10 led the Bearcats with a game-high 23 points including one trey. “It was an amazing win. It feels great! We are so excited to get back to Columbia,” commented Noe after the win. "I think if we prepare well we can definitely knock off a team or two. We are just going to have to be prepared on Friday!"
Alison Jarrell racked up 14 points and hit four 3-pointers for Dexter. Jarrell had to sit out last season during the play-offs due to an injury. "I am sure she was excited to play this year. She hit some big threes for us tonight," continued Allen. "I thought she did a great job."
MaKayla Waldner had an impressive evening contributing 9 points, 1 assist and 10 rebounds. She was 63% at the charity stripe hitting 5 of 8 free throws.
Erika Cobb added 8 points. Dakota Reynolds and Paige Patterson each tallied 7 points for the Bearcats.
Dexter scored in double figures in the first three quarters. Late in the fourth quarter Coach Allen brought in substitutions for the starters. As the girls walked off the court, they received a standing ovation from the crowd along with cheers! The girls were excited to say the least as they knew they were headed back to the Final Four.
Freshman Harley Allen scored her first high school points of her career hitting a 3-pointer for the Bearcats in the 4th quarter. She has had to sit out most of the season with an injury. Way to go Harley! That's how to put points on the board!
"It's definitely special for the seniors to get back to Columbia," Coach Allen said, "Now that we know we are there, we don't want to settle for fourth place. We will leave Thursday morning and get in a practice once we get to Columbia."
The Dexter Bearcats will travel to the Mizzou Arena in Columbia and their first game will be against the Benton Lady Cardinals (21 – 8) coached by Brett Goodwin. The bracket is set and the other state semifinal will feature Marshfield (25-5) vs Incarnate Word (29-1).
Congratulations Lady ‘Cats on your tremendous win. The ShowMe Times will be there to cover all the exciting action taking a multitude of photos! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates and to view photos!
We are Bearcats! Proud of our Lady 'Cats!
One Team One Dream!
