Dexter, Missouri - The Bernie Mules and the Dexter Bearcats have built a healthy rivalry over the years. It is one of the biggest basketball rivalries in southeast Missouri. Each team had something to prove as they took the court at the Bearcat Event Center.
It was nearly a flawless performance by the Dexter Bearcats. They shot 10 for 11 from the charity stripe, hit 25 field goals and sank five 3-pointers to outscore the Bernie Mules 65 - 42.
Dexter immediately jumped out to an 11 – 0 lead in the first four minutes of the first period before Nate Dillinger put two on the board for the Bernie Mules. Dexter recorded double digits in each of the four periods. At half-time they led by 16 points.
Dexter out-scored Bernie 24-14 in the third quarter to take a 52-26 lead into the fourth. Their largest lead of the game, but not enough to run the mercy clock.
"We have struggled coming out of the gate many times this year," commented Dexter head boys basketball coach Josh Dowdy. "We are beginning to understand that we have to get off the bus and be ready to play from the opening tip. We did that tonight. Our defensive intensity was real good for most of the game."
Bearcat Powerhouse Gabe Jackson recorded 9 points in the first quarter on his way to a game-high 21 points.
"I sound like a broken record, but we wanted to throw it in to our big man and take what the defense gives us. He made some nice moves tonight once he faced the basket. He continues to rebound real well defensively," Dowdy said of Jackson.
Ethan Flowers tallied 15 points for the Bearcats including two 3-pointers.
"Ethan has had a great week," continued Dowdy. "He is shooting it, driving it, and serving as a good leader for us."
With Jason Jarrell on the bench with an injury, Jacob Pedigo has stepped up for Dexter. He recorded 11 points, three buckets, one 3-pointer and was 100% from the free throw line adding 2 more to the score board.
"Jacob has done a tremendous job of stepping in for Jason. He continues to play with confidence," stated Dowdy. "And there is Heil....what can you say....He is the role player every coach wants. I am glad he is a Bearcat!"
Ryan Mayo recorded two treys finishing with 10 points. It was a full team effort by the Bearcats.
"Ryan Mayo had another nice start for us tonight. He is knocking down some perimeter shots and working real hard away from the ball. Our team is excited to see his progress," Dowdy said.
"It was nice to get some kids in tonight," continued Dowdy. "Jacob Crumley comes to practice every day and has been a good influence on our younger kids and does anything we ask of him. It was nice to see him get that stick back."
Bernie's Nate Dillinger had a team-high 17 points. He tallied the first six points of the game for the Mules. Alex Whitehead, the only other Mule to record double digits, finished with 12 points. Whitehead completed three treys, one bucket and one free throw.
Final Score Dexter 65, Bernie 42
Dexter 16 12 24 13 - 65
Bernie 7 5 14 16 - 42
Dexter (65) – Jacob Crumley 2, Dawson Kasting 2, Jacob Pedigo 11, Ethan Flowers 15, Tyler Heil 4, Ryan Mayo 10, Gabe Jackson 21. FG 25, Ft 10/11, F 8. (3-pointers: Jacob Pedigo 1, Ethan Flowers 2, Ryan Mayo 2. Fouled Out: None).
Bernie (42) - Jayce Burk 3, Alex Guzman 3, Nate Dillinger 17, Alex Whitehead 12, Gavin Brown 3, Dalton Hobgood 4. FG 14, FT 8/12, F 8. (3-pointers: Jayce Burk 1, Nate Dillinger 1, Alex Whitehead 3, Dalton Hobgood 1. Fouled Out: None)
