Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Bearcats varsity boys basketball team entered Tuesday's night match-up with the Poplar Bluff Mules with all intentions of stopping Mules' two powerhouse athletes, Marcedus Leech and Willie Lucas. Dexter's defense did just that as it managed to hold Leech completely scoreless. Lucas however managed to pull out and tallied a game-high 27 points. It would be the first time in 4 years and only the 2nd time in 15 years that Dexter would overpower Poplar Bluff in boys basketball.
It was the fourth quarter that the Bearcats really shined and proved they were a substantial team to beat. With a record of 13-10 they are earning their stripes this year on the court! The Mules were up 32-24 at the half, but Dexter eliminated that deficit and took their first lead of the game 38-37 when Jason Jarrell recorded a layup with just 3 minutes to go in the third period. The Mules answered back with a bucket at the buzzer.
The Bearcats had an explosive fourth quarter finish. Jason Jarrell hit two to take the lead once again in the opening minute of the fourth quarter. Ethan Flowers recorded a trey and Jacob Pedigo hit a field goal. It was tied 45-45 with 5:35 left in regulation. Pedigo hit a bucket then got fouled and hit two more from the charity stripe. It became a battle of free throws in the last two minutes of the game, but enough to beat Poplar Bluff 61-57.
"The story of the game was the job Tyler Heil did on defense," stated Dexter head basketball coach Josh Dowdy. "We have a lot of respect for Leech and Lucas. We were trying to make someone else beat us, and Heil executed our game plan perfectly. It's one thing having a plan, but it is another carrying it out."
"Heil will sleep well tonight," Dowdy continued. "He finished with one point and 20 stops. I love a kid who takes pride in getting stops."
Gabe Jackson and Jacob Pedigo each recorded 16 points for Dexter. Jackson tallied 14 points in the paint and two on free throws. Pedigo scored half of his total points in the final quarter of the game.
"I knew we were in good shape when Gabe was yelling for the ball," stated Dowdy. "Pedigo played with a lot of poise on offense and attacked the glass well."
Jason Jarrell contributed 13 points and Ethan Flowers recorded 10 point. Flowers added four 3-pointers to his high school record.
"We started out a little slow, but gained some confidence throughout the game," Dowdy said. "The guards did a tremendous job handling the ball and Gabe did an outstanding job of altering shots and standing his ground. He also did what Gabe does - REBOUND!"
Final Score Dexter 61 - Poplar Bluff 57!
"WOW!" Dowdy said of the Bearcats win. "A big win for these guys."
Dexter will be back in action on February 23rd when they host the Notre Dame Bulldogs.
Dexter 13 11 14 23 - 61
Poplar Bluff 18 14 7 18 - 57
Dexter (61) - Jason Jarrell 13, Jacob Pedigo 16, Ethan Flowers 10, Tyler Heil 1, Ryan Mayo 5, Gabe Jackson 16. FG 21, FT 15/25, F 17. (3-pointers: Jason Jarrell 1, Ethan Flowers 2, Ryan Mayo 1. Fouled Out: None).
Poplar Bluff (57) - Tyler Cline 11, Rodney Houston 2, Tristen Francisco 8, Willie Lucas 27. FG 17, Ft 12/16, F 23. (3-pointers: Tyler Cline 3, Tristen Francisco 2, Willie Lucas 4. Fouled Out: None).
