Jackson, Missouri – The Lady ‘Cats dug a hole early with the Crusaders jumping out to a 14 point lead in the first quarter and never recovered.

Saxony Lutheran scored the first 11 points and jumped ahead 18-4 by the end of the first quarter.  The Cats never led securing the Crusader’s 53-44 victory.

“Really the whole difference of the game was the fist quarter.  Those first three or four minutes of the ball game sets the tone and we have got to be more aggressive and more active from the field,” commented Dexter head girls basketball coach Chad Allen.  “It was hard to come back down 14 to start the game, but they did a great job battling back and we definitely owned the last three quarters.”

Krysten Garrison got taken out early in the game receiving her third foul in the second quarter and her fourth foul in the beginning of the second half.  Dakota Reynolds picked up her third foul in the third quarter and fouled out with over four minutes left in the fourth quarter.

“We definitely got in a little big of foul trouble,” stated Allen.  “Garrison had a target on her back and it seemed like every time she was out there she was getting a foul.  Taking her out of our line-up does hurt us offensively.”

Hannah Thurmon, a freshman, recorded a team-high 18 points for the Bearcats.    Melanie McKuin tallied 10 points.

“I thought Hannah did a great job tonight,” continued Allen.  “They are big and physical on the inside and she pounded right after them.  She made some good shots for us.  I am really glad the girls hung in there and didn’t quit.”

In JV action Saxony Lutheran JV defeated Dexter 50 – 35.

Dexter (11-8) will host Naylor on Thursday, February 5, 2015 at the Bearcat Event Center.  The JV game will be two quarters only and the varsity game will follow.  Game time is 6:00 p.m.

Final Score Saxony Lutheran 53, Dexter 44

Saxony Lutheran  18  10  12  13  -  53

Dexter                     4  14  12  14  -  44