Dexter, Missouri – The Dexter Bearcats boys basketball program will be under new leadership this year as Coach Josh Dowdy takes to the court.  Coach Dowdy is a 1993 graduate of Dexter High School and will lead the season with five returning athletes from last season.

“I am so thankful to get this opportunity to coach in the town I grew up in,” Dowdy stated.  “I love Dexter and I love being a BEARCAT!”

“It is a bond that has brought a lot of awesome people together and I hope I can give back to these guys even half of what my teachers and coaches taught me in these hallways,” continued Dowdy.  “I want them to have and feel what I experienced as a young man growing up in Dexter.”

Dowdy hopes for senior leadership from Noah Kronk and Peyton Pollock as well as Matt Sims.

“Both Kronk and Pollock look like they want to pick up from where they left off on the football field,” Dowdy said.  “They are both great teammates and should provide some solid senior leadership for the rest of the guys.  Kronk is a real hard worker and we look for him to have a nice season.  Pollock has practiced real well early.  He can shoot it from the perimeter and will help us in the ball handling department.”

“Matt Sims has joined us this year,” added Dowdy.  “Matt is a good boy and I am glad he made the decision to play.  We hope he can come in and eat up some minutes in the paint.”

“Austin Chesser, Ethan Flowers, and Cole Renken spent most of their time on the varsity as sophomore,” Dowdy said of three of Dexter’s seven juniors on the team.  “Austin and Ethan can shoot the ball and are similar in that they love to compete.  Ethan has put in a lot of extra time.  He should have a big year.  Austin will add some grittiness.  He is not afraid to put his body on the line.  Cole has worked hard over the off season to get physically stronger.  We expect Cole to provide a valuable presence for us inside.” 

The other four juniors are Tyler Heil, Jacob Pedigo, Addison Moore, and Adam Webb.  “Heil, Moore, Pedigo, and Webb will all move up from the Junior Varsity this year,” continued Dowdy.  “Tyler Heil has a motor that does not stop.  Addison Moore has a great understanding of the game.  Jacob Pedigo is stronger this year and can shoot the ball real well.  Adam Webb adds some more size to our squad.  All of these guys will add some depth to our team.”

Jason Jarrell is the only sophomore on the team.  He was starting point guard on the JV team last year and will play on the varsity this year.  “Jarrell is our lone sophomore.  Jason is a nice athlete who will play the point, which is a challenge for a sophomore.  He handled it well this summer and I am confident he will be up for the task,” stated Dowdy.

Dexter will open at home on Tuesday, December 2nd against the Charleston Bluejays.  They travel to Sikeston on Friday evening.  Game times are 6:00 p.m.

"It will be a battle every night," commented coach Dowdy.  "That will make it fun for the fans and might turn a coach bald.  Hopefully the competition will collectively help all teams be prepared for district play."

Sikeston will host this year's Class 4 District Tournament.  Teams featured will be Dexter, Sikeston, Notre Dame, Perryville, Cape Central, and Kennett.

"We are aware of our schedule and the challenges we face," continued Dowdy.  "Our approach is simple.  We want to be playing our best basketball by the time the SCAA Tournament rolls around.  These guys want a chance to raise that trophy!"

"We have had a good start," stated Dowdy.  "The kids have shown good energy and are trying to improve on some fundamentals.  We have to learn to talk on the floor, close out, block out an value the ball.  Just little things that are necessary to compete.  it has been tough for several years now and hopefully we can point this thing in the right direction.  We don't know if we will win more games, be we are trying to remain patient.  We just want to be more competitive!"

2014-15 DHS Boys Basketball Schedule