Dexter, Missouri – Top seeded Dexter Bearcats did it again after watching the 7th grade team beat Bernie, the 8th grade team didn’t want to miss out on their own championship trophy!
The Mules gave them quite a run, but it was top-seeded Dexter who edged Bernie 38-31 in a seesaw battle between two of the best middle school rivalries in southeast Missouri.
Dexter scored first, but Bernie answered with a 3-pointer putting them on top within seconds of the start of the first quarter. Both teams scored double digits before moving on to the second period.
It was a seesaw battle throughout most of the game with fans sitting on the edge of their seats. As each young man made his basket one could hear cheers from the crowd, then silence as they waited for the next basket to fall. It was a packed house at the Bearcat Event Center. Both Bernie and Dexter fans showed their spirit with rally towels and appropriate colored t-shirts of their favorite team, but it was the Dexter Bearcats who came out on top with the 38-31 win. Way to go Bearcats!
"This group of boys set out to win the SCAA Championship again this year and they are excited to be able to accomplish their goal," commented Coach Josh Dowdy.
Seth Rogers earned a game-high 15 points for the Bearcats. Eric Hahn tallied 9 points including a trey. Braxton Foster finished with 6 and Nate Gargas added 5. Joe Rice scored 3 point.
"Seth has been steady all year handling the ball and had another great performance despite being in foul trouble," continued Dowdy. "I was really pleased with how well Joe played defensively also. he took care of a couple of their set plays and closed out on their shooters."
"Eric did not hit as many shots as he normally does, but he is always so composed which provides a calming effect for the rest of the guys."
"Nate is just gamer," stated Dowdy. "He does so many things right, we are just looking for him to attack more and once he does that he will be pretty tough to deal with on the offensive end."
Dowdy went on so say he felt Bernie played hard and they came to play. "I am glad we had to earn it, that's the way Championships should be won!"
Final Score 8th Grade Championship: Dexter 38, Bernie 31
Bernie 10 7 5 9 - 31
Dexter 13 10 7 8 - 38
Bernie (31) – Hunter Slavings 9, Trenton Johnson 3, Jeffery Brown 8, Josh Ellenburg 11. FG 10, FT 8/17, F 19. (3-pointers: Slavings 3. Fouled out: Brwon)
Dexter (38) – Seth Rogers 15, Nate Gargas 5, Joe Rice 3, Eric Hahn 9, Braxton Foster 6. Fg 13, FT 11/20, F 17. (3-pointers: Hahn 1. Fouled out: none)
Congratulations on your win! The 8th grade Bearcats will be back in action on Thursday when they host the Sikeston Bulldogs. Game time 6:00 p.m.
