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Dexter, Missouri – The Dexter varsity boys basketball program completed their two day event with a record of 5-3, winning their last four games and won the Rib City Shootout.  They defeated Puxico 57-30.

“We are all still learning right now, but I am very proud of their effort,” stated head basketball coach Josh Dowdy.  “I talked to them before the games about if we can control our effort, attitude, and be coachable good things are going to happen for this basketball team.”

And good things do come to those who have courage and prepare hard.  The Dexter varsity team looked awesome on the court and without two of their key players, Peyton Pollock and Noah Kronk, who were attending Boys State in Warrensburg, Missouri.

“I think over the course of eight games we grew up in that department a little bit.  That’s kind of what the summer and these Rib City shootouts are all about.  I am glad to have the opportunity to play in it and the kids were thankful to be a part of the shootout as well.”

Dexter played well against their first opponent in the shootout, the Hayti Indians; however Hayti was able to defeat the Bearcats 36-34.   Dexter came back with a very impressive win over Rich Hill 57 – 38.  (Photos are available on the ShowMe Times Facebook page).  Then later in the afternoon on Thursday Dexter allowed Doniphan to edge by 47-43.

On Friday Dexter lost to Winona early on 39-33 in a very exciting game, but then bounced back to defeat Crittendon County, Kentucky 43-41.  Once Dexter got in the groove they dominated the court Friday afternoon defeated Bloomfield 54 – 39 in quarterfinal action.  They faced Winona once again and defeated them 58-40 in the semifinal contest.

In the championship game Dexter and Puxico battled it out with the Bearcats coming out on top by 27 points!  Way to go Dexter!!

“We played man Thursday and Friday,” commented Dowdy.  “These kids haven’t played man their entire lives.  I told Coach McGowan and Coach Williams ‘we are not playing man on Friday afternoon.’  We got back to some things they are familiar with, but I do think going over those man-to-man principles definitely helped our zone out.” 

“We kept battling,” Dowdy added.  “They got tired on me in the Puxico game, but they went out the second half and put it on them.  I am really proud of their performance.”

Dexter has a great opportunity this season to win a few tournaments and have a great year.  With a new head coach at the helm and two new assistant coaches there is no limit to the possibilities of what kind of ball they can play.

“This is just the start.  I am glad they are excited, but I told them ‘basketball is not a sprint, it’s a marathon.’ And that’s kind of what we are living by right now,” stated Dexter’s new head basketball Coach Dowdy.