Paragould, Arkansas - The Dexter Lady Cats knocked off the Jonesboro Lady Hurricanes 49-40 in the 2015 McDonald’s Shootout in Paragould, Arkansas on Saturday.

Dexter scored double digits in each quarter to secure their 3rd McDonald's Shootout trophy.

It was a close game in the first half with Dexter and Jonesboro tied 25 all.  It was the third quarter that Dexter pressed and held their opponent down.

The Lady Cats swelled to a 37 - 27 lead at the end of the 3rd holding the Hurricanes to only 2 points.

"We went on a 9-0 run to start the 3rd quarter which was huge," continued Allen.  "It was the difference in the game.  I thought during that run and most of the 3rd quarter we did a good job of taking away driving lanes and covering shooters.  Jonesboro is a very quick and good shooting team."

The Bearcats got a 25-point performance from 5’ 10” sophomore Krysten Garrison.

“I thought Krysten had a really good tournament," commented Dexter head basketball coach Chad Allen.  "She seems to be getting better as the season progresses. She did a really good job of reading the defense and making cuts/drives to the basket."

Fellow Lady Cat senior Melanie McKuin added 10 points and 6 rebounds.

Natalie Sitze and Chaylea Mosby each contributed a trey for the Bearcats.

The Lady Bearcats have won the McDonald's Shootout the last 3 of 4 years they have been in it.

"The Paragould shootout is one of our favorite tournaments," Allen said with a little grin.  "It is extremely competitive and has an unbelievable atmosphere and most importantly a great hospitality room."

Final Score Dexter 49, Jonesboro 40

Dexter        10   15   12   12  -  49

Dexter (49) - Dakota Reynolds 4, Natalie Sitze 3, Melanie McKuin 10, Kyrsten Garrison 25, Chaylea Mosby 7.  FT 13/23, FG 17/51, F 7. (3-pointers: Natalie Sitze 1, Chaylea Mosby 1.  Fouled Out: None).

Jonesboro (40) - Star Taylor 10, Matte Curtis 2, Khiandra Perry 9, Amber Hatchett 9, Donita Webb 4, Shanel Sloan 2, Kiana Williams 4.  FT 2/2  FG 17/41  F 17 (3-pointers: Khiandra Perry 1, Amber Hatchett  3.  Fouled Out: None).

Dexter Lady Bearcats will be back in action on Saturday in the 2015 Lady Royals Christmas Classic Tournament in Broseley, Missouri.  They earned the #2 seed and will play #15 Senath-Hornersville at 10:00 a.m.

"We will get some rest on Sunday and Monday and then start getting ready for the Christmas Tournament on Tuesday through Friday."

Photo submitted by Jill Allen!  Thank you!