Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor
Dexter, Missouri – Spring Sports Media Day was held this week with upcoming seasons for baseball, softball, track, golf and boys tennis for the Dexter Bearcats. With basketball season almost over, spring sports will begin next week.
Eleven players will be returning this year to play baseball. Members of the 2014 Dexter High School Baseball Team are Nick Noble, D.J. Dowdy, Nathan Sadler, Cody Neldon, Wyatt Kiger, Jason Mattison, Jacob Murdock, Austin Aldridge, Chandler Young, Riley Mason, Peyton Pollock, Ryan Mayo, Garrett Keathley, Alex Rudd, Dalton Manuel, Blake Horton, Jordan Wood, Tyler Heil, Jacob Pedigo, Randall Allen, Colton Averett, Jason Jarrell, Cody Pullum, and Hunter Parrott.
“We struggled at the plate quite a bit last year, but hopefully we can turn it around this year,” commented head baseball coach Brian Becker. “We have some good ball players coming back. D.J. Dowdy #15 has adjusted his swing and worked on his hitting. He kind of retooled his swing a bit too. His whole career he has been a grip the bat as tight as you can and see how hard you can swing type of guy, but this year I think we’ve talked him down a little. He knows in order to get on base he’s got to make contact with the ball. He will be behind the plate catching for us and has played all four years and I believe he is going to have a great season.”
Senior Nick Noble #4 is returning this year as pitcher. “Nick threw some for us last year and I look for him to do a good job for us,” Becker stated.
Another returning player is senior Cody Neldon. He sat out quite a bit last year with a knee injury. “Cody is the only kid that batted over .300 for us last year that is returning,” Coach Becker said. “I look for Cody to have a good year once he gets released from the doctor.”
Shown in the photo below are the 2014 Seniors: Nick Noble #4, D.J. Dowdy #15, Nathan Sadler #12, Cody Neldon #6, and Wyatt Kiger #21.
Dexter will face Poplar Bluff, Kennett, Sikeston, Notre Dame, Cape Central, New Madrid County Central, and Jackson in the SEMO Conference. “The SEMO Conference is going to be tough as usual,” commented Coach Becker. “I went to the SEMO Conference coaches meeting the other day and the talk around those coaches was this could be the best pitching staff top to bottom in the SEMO Conference that we have ever had.”
Dexter competed in their first baseball jamboree last Saturday at the Kennett High School. “It was a beautiful day for baseball and so far this spring there haven’t been very many of those type days,” Becker said. “It was great that our pitchers got to throw on a dirt mound and our players faced live pitching for the first time this season. Overall, I thought our approach at the plate was good.”
The Dexter Bearcats will face Class 4, District 1 competitors such as Fredericktown, Notre Dame, Sikeston, Perryville, and Kennett.
With the Lady ‘Cats Final Four appearance, the Dexter High School has cancelled the first game of the season for Friday evening against Doniphan; therefore Dexter will have their home opener against Malden on Tuesday, March 25th at 4 p.m.
Below is the 2014 Bearcat Baseball Varsity Schedule. We wish the baseball good luck in their season and we will see you on the field! Go Bearcats!
Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor
The Red Wolves recorded a 302 and 292 for the first and second rounds, respectively, to finish Monday’s competition tied for fifth place. A-State was in eighth place after the opening 18 holes, but posted their best score this spring the next round to climb three places in the standings.
A-State fell two spots in the standings with their final-round score, finishing seven strokes behind sixth-place Southern Illinois-Edwardsville. UNLV claimed the tournament championship with an 845, while Utah Valley was runner-up with an 865 and Oral Roberts finished third with an 887.
“Obviously, we didn’t play like we wanted in the last round,” said A-State head coach Steve Johnson. “I felt like the conditions favored us a little, but we just made too many big numbers during the course of the round that made it difficult to recover. For the most part, though, I saw a lot of good things from our team. You could still see a little rust, but hopefully we’ll have something to build on. We have some areas we need to work on, but I think the next three tournaments we’ll see a significant improvement since we’ll be able to get out on the course more with the weather conditions improving.”
Easton Key finished tied for 12th place with a combined 220 (73-71-76), including a low score of 71 in the second round, to lead the Red Wolves. Joining Key among the top-25 finishers was Chance Holden, who placed tied for 23rd with a 225 (76-70-79). Holden’s total included a 70 for the second 18 holes that was the lowest single-round score of the tournament by an A-State player. Key collected his third top-15 finish of the year and Holden his fourth top-25 showing.
Also competing for the Red Wolves, Landon Hearnes and Seth Garner finished tied for 48th place with a 232 each. Hearne’s total included rounds of 74-77-81 and Garner 79-74-79. Alex Hewitt posted a 237 (81-77-79) that placed him tied for 63rd.
Arkansas State returns to action March 24-25 at the UALR Trojan Intercollegiate in Little Rock, Ark.
ARKANSAS STATE RESULTS
Place, Name (RD 1-RD 2-RD 3--TOTAL)
7, Arkansas State (302-292-313--907)
T12, Easton Key (73-71-76--220)
T23, Chance Holden (76-70-79--225)
T48, Landon Hearnes (74-77-81--232)
T48, Seth Garner (79-74-79--232)
T63, Alex Hewitt (81-77-79--237)
Below is a press release courtesy of the Arkansas State University about Chance Holden -
2012-2013: As a junior, Holden played in 32 rounds at 11 tournaments...Shot a low score of 70 at the Jackrabbit Invitational and placed a season high T11 at the Mobile Bay Intercollegiate...He had three other top 25 finishes, T14 at the ASU Fall Beach Classic, T14 at the ASU Red Wolves Intercollegiate and T22 at the Sun Belt Conference Championship...Holden held an average score of 75.8.
2011 - 2012: Played in six rounds and attended two tournamens (Sam Hall Intercollegiate Tournament & Amelia National Intercollegiate Tournament). Finished with a season high 55th placement in the Ameilia National Intercollegiate.
2010 - 2011: Played in nineteen rounds during seven tournaments...During those tournaments, Holden shot a low score of 72 two times, and also placed a season high rank of T29th at the Sun Belt Conference Championships...He held a an average score of 78.
High School: Dexter, Mo. native . . . All-state and all-conference selection and the district medalist at Dexter High School in 2009 . . . All-conference selection in 2007 and 2008, as well as the district medalist in 2008 . . . Over the last four years, Holden posted the lowest high school score in a match 33 times and claimed six tournament titles . . . Averaged 74.9 strokes per round in tournament play and was his high school's team medalist from 2007-09 . . . During 2009, Holden posted six top-10 and nine top-25 finishes in 11 tournaments played . . . Also played basketball as a freshman . . . President of the Dexter High School Honor's Society, which he was a member of since 2008.
Photo courtesy of Arkansas State University Athletic Department.
Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor
Buying permits is easy, with three options. First is the traditional method of purchasing from a local permit vendor, such as a sporting goods or convenience store or bait shop.
The second option is visiting mdc.mo.gov and clicking on “Buy Permits.” This e-Permits option lets hunters, trappers and anglers buy permits at home or on any computer and print them immediately. Sport-fishing and hunting permits are available through e-Permits, along with trapping permits and the Apprentice Hunter Authorization.
Advantages to e-Permits include the ability to save them on a computer, smart phone, or removable memory device so you can print replacements if permits are lost or destroyed. Permits may not be shared, and additional copies of a permit do not provide additional valid permits for the buyer or others to use.
The third option is purchasing by toll-free phone call to 800-392-4115. Be sure to allow up to 10 days for mail delivery with this option.
Commercial permits and lifetime permits can be purchased only through MDC’s Central Office by calling 573-751-4115.
Low permit cost for world-class outdoor opportunities is one reason why Missouri is a great place to hunt and fish. In comparison, Missouri residents pay $12 for an annual fishing permit, while residents in the eight neighboring states pay an average of $20 for the same privileges. Missouri’s $17 Resident Any-Deer Permit also is a bargain compared to the average of $46 for equivalent privileges in surrounding states.
LIFETIME OPTION
Resident Lifetime Small Game Hunting, Fishing, or Resident Lifetime Conservation Partner permits offer the ultimate in permit-buying value and convenience. A one-time purchase provides the same privileges as annual resident fishing, trout, small-game hunting, migratory bird hunting and conservation order permits for the buyer’s life.
The cost of these permits is on a sliding scale based on the buyer’s age. The cost drops dramatically for buyers age 60 to 65, when lifetime hunting or fishing permits cost only $35. At age 60, you can get a Lifetime Conservation Partner Permit for $70. Those same privileges would cost much more if you bought the corresponding annual permits from age 60 through 65. After age 65 Missouri resident hunters and anglers become exempt from some permit requirements.
Lifetime permit buyers get durable plastic cards, like credit cards, to carry in the field. They also receive mail updates about regulation changes and other information that most outdoors people pick up when they visit permit vendors annually.
Information about lifetime permits is printed in MDC’s annual hunting and fishing regulation summaries, which are available wherever permits are sold. The same information is available at mdc.mo.gov/node/9205. You can print the online application or call 573-522-4115, ext. 3574 to apply.
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!
Written by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor
Farmington, Missouri - The Lady ‘Cats have won their last 19 games. They are hungry for a State Championship win. Only one team separates them from returning to Columbia, Battle Lady Spartans.
Who are these Spartans? They are a public high school located in Columbia, Missouri. Their colors are navy blue and gold. Their record is 12 – 15. They defeated Festus to get here. They have won their last 6 games to get the opportunity to play in the Class 4 state tournament against Dexter in Farmington on Saturday. They too are hungry for State Championship.
The Battle Spartans girls basketball team have become the only sub .500 team in the Class 4 state tournament bracket. They are preparing for the match-up of a lifetime against our own Dexter Lady 'Cats for their first potential trip to the Class 4 Final Four.
They lost their first nine games of the season. They have no seniors. They have come back and have done what no other team has ever done with only 70 practices and 27 games.
"Our team is no David to Dexter's Goliath. She said her Spartans are ready to continue making history for their brand new school," stated Angie Roberds, Lady Spartans head coach.
The Lady Bearcats have experience. They are SENIOR strong! They have excellent teammates. Their sophomores are able to adapt and are well prepared to step up. They have earned 4 District Titles in four years.
Lady ‘Cats YOU are focused!
YOU are mentally prepared!
YOU are physically prepared!
YOU can win!
We are Bearcats! Proud of our Lady 'Cats!
The Dexter community is excited to see your road to the final four and we will be cheering from the bleachers!
This is YOUR time Lady Bearcats!
Game time is 6:00 p.m. at the Farmington Civic Center.
Wear your RED and BLACK! Go Bearcats!
