Bloomfield, Missouri - Game #13 was not so lucky for the #1 seeded Bloomfield Wildcats. Their chances of a Christmas Tournament Championship ended Monday evening when the #8 seeded Dexter Bearcats defeated them 43-35 at the 59th Annual Bloomfield Christmas Tournament. They also suffered their first loss of the season.
"It's a big win for our program. These seniors are a good bunch and they haven't had a ton of big wins over their tenure." stated Dexter head basketball coach Josh Dowdy. "This is something they are going to remember and they don't feel like they are done yet."
Dexter outscored Bloomfield by 8 points in the last three minutes of the 4th quarter to secure their 43 - 35 win.
"Really what separated it was the free throws," stated Dowdy. "We were able to chase some and get some penetration at the rim and they were calling quite a few fouls. We were able to capitalize on them. We have been shooting 51% from the free throw line so to make 8 of our 9 in the 4th quarter was great for us. I thought that was the difference down the stretch."
Bloomfield jumped out to a 10 - 4 lead in the first period. Tyler Battles was first to score with a 3-pointer three minutes into the game followed by two free throws. Tim Hector shot a 3-pointer and a bucket to propel the Wildcats to 10 points.
Senior Bearcat Jacob Pedigo scored the first two points of the game for Dexter with just 48 seconds left in the first quarter. Jason Jarrell, a 5'11" junior recorded two with seconds remaining in the first.
"It was a defensive struggle," continued Dowdy. "It was a tribute to Bloomfield's defense. They packed it in and tried to take Gabe away."
Bloomfield scored only 8 points in the second period. Tim Hector recorded a 3-pointer, Nathan Newell hit one for two, Noah Vandiver tallied a couple of free throws, and Tyler Battles recorded a free throw.
Dexter answered with two 3-pointers by Ethan Flowers and four field goals from Jacob Pedigo, Gabe Jackson, and Jason Jarrell to tie the game 18 - 18 at the half.
"That was a scary moment needless to say," stated Dowdy about the first half of the game. "Gabe Jackson picked up two early fouls and we had to take him out, but we weathered the storm and were able to withstand that. We were down 10 - 4 at the end of the first quarter. I thought it was a win being down six We knew there were going to be some punches thrown left and right, and we were able to throw the last punch."
The Bearcats opened the final period with an old fashioned three-pointer by Jacob Pedigo. Gabe Jackson followed with a bucket giving them the lead for the first time in the second half 32-30.
Bloomfield's only field goal in the 4th quarter came from Noah Vandiver, his only one of the game, with a little over five minutes remaining. The Wildcats capitalized on a few free throws, one each by Vandiver, Alex Gibbs, Peyton Bell, and Nathan Newell.
Dexter held Bloomfield to 11 field goals throughout the game.
"We played three different defenses to try and keep them off balance," commented Dowdy about their defensive strategy. Tyler Heil did a tremendous job tonight on Noah Vandiver. He only had one field goal for Bloomfield. To hold a talent like that and hold Noah to one field goal was a feather in Tyler's cap and was just unbelievable."
Ethan Flowers had a game-high 13 points for Dexter including his two 3-pointers. Jason Jarrell recorded 12 points. Jacob Pedigo and Gabe Jackson each contributed 9 points.
Bloomfield's Tim Hector was the only Wildcat in double digits. He tallied 11 points with 3 treys and a bucket.
These kids know each other and they play each other throughout the season, sometimes three games per year," commented Dowdy. "We weren't fearful of the game, but we had a lot of respect for Bloomfield. They are senior loaded team with nice juniors. They are well-coached and we are thrilled to escape with a victory and move onto Round 3."
Final Score Bloomfield 35, Dexter 43
Bloomfield 10 8 1 6 - 35
Dexter 4 14 9 16 - 43
Bloomfield (35) - Tim Hector 11, Peyton Bell 3, Nate Newell 5, Tyler Battles 9, Noah Vandiver 6, Alex Gibbs 1. FG 11, FT 10/19, F 16. (3-pointers: Tim Hector 3, Tyler Battles 2. Fouled Out: None).
Dexter (43) - Jason Jarrell 12, Jacob Pedigo 9, Ethan Flowers 13, Gabe Jackson 9. FG 16, FT 9/10, F 19. (3-pointers: Ethan Flowers 2. Fouled Out: None).
Dexter (3-5) will be back in action on Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. in Game #21 of the 59th Annual Bloomfield Christmas Tournament. They will play the Malden Green Wave. Malden defeated Doniphan 59-47 in Game #14 on Monday.
The Bloomfield Wildcats (7-1) will play at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 29th against Doniphan.
