Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Bearcats Boys Basketball Team was successful last season.  They finished second at the Bloomfield Christmas Tournament losing to Kennett in the Championship.  They haven't been in that position in about five years.  They were also able to go 500 in the SEMO Conference winning 4 games.  They also won 15 games last season, all great accomplishments for the 'Cats.

"We are hoping to continue to push our program forward," stated Dexter head boys basketball coach Josh Dowdy.  "There are quite a few guys that have laid the groundwork for our current group....Kronk, Pollock, Flowers, Heil, and Pedigo.  If nothing else, we want those guys to know their hard work was noticed and we have a responsibility to keep pushing to improve."

Returning to the court this year are seniors Jason Jarrell, 6'0" guard and Ryan Mayo, 6'1" forward and 6'4" junior center Gabe jackson.

"Jason will again help us in many different roles.  He is a three-year starter and will be expected to be a team leader for us this year," commented Dowdy.  "Ryan was the first man off the bench last year and plays very hard.  He has active hands and will provide a lot of energy for us this year."

"Gabe had a real nice sophomore season last year after he made some noise in the Bloomfield Christmas Tournament.  We are expecting him to continue to be a focal point of our team."

There will also be a new face among the Bearcats.  Clay Mullins moved in from East Carter County and will play the position of point guard.  He is 6'1" junior forward wearing the number 24 jersey.

"Clay has joined our squad this year," continued Dowdy.  "He will be running the point and also has the ability to put the ball in the hole.  We are excited to have him on board."

Junior guards Ben Sindle, Kole Kelley, Chad Smith, and Alan Pippins will move up from the junior varsity team and add depth in the back court.

"All of these guys will assist in handling the ball and have the ability to score," stated Dowdy.  "Dawson Kasting will also add some depth in the paint."

Sophomores Nate Gargas and Braxton Foster have also been promoted to the varsity team. Foster's three-pointer last year from mid-court in the last second boosted the Bearcats to a Junior Varsity SCAA victory over the Bernie Mules.

"We have some new pieces to put together after losing some key players off of our squad last year," Dowdy said of losing several.  "As the season progresses, I feel that we have the ability to show some real growth once we learn how to play together.  I am hoping to help put those pieces in place as soon as possible."

In the last few weeks they have been focused on defense and Dowdy said he had hoped to be further along than what they are, but that they will improve over the course of the season.

"The boys are trying to get better each day and are real coachable.  We have some great kids on this team that exhibit high character on and off the court," continued Dowdy.  "I am privileged to be able to work with them each day.  I am confident this group will be able to turn the corner and realize the aching legs and long hours of practice will pay off!"

Playing for the Dexter Varsity Bearcats are #2 Kole Kelley, 5'9" junior guard; #10 Jason Jarrell, 6'0" senior guard; #12 Nate Gargas, 5'9" sophomore guard; #21 Alan Pippins, 5'9" junior forward; #22 Braxton Foster, 6'3" sophomore forward, #23, 5'9" junior guard; #24 Clay Mullins, 6'1" junior forward; #25 Dawson Kasting, 5'11" junior forward; #33 Ryan Mayo, 6'1" senior forward; #34 Chad Smith, 5'11" junior forward, and #35 Gabe Jackson, 6'4" junior center.

2016 - 2017 Dexter Varsity Boys Basketball Schedule

6:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 29th vs Charleston at BEC

6:00 p.m. Friday, December 2nd @ Sikeston

December 5th - 9th SEMO Conference Tournament (TBA)

6:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 13th vs Jackson at BEC

6:00 p.m. Thursday, December 15th vs Richland at BEC

December 26th - 29th Bloomfield Christmas Tournament (TBA)

6:00 p.m. Friday, January 6th vs Woodland at BEC (Winter Homecoming)

6:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 10th vs Bloomfield at BEC

6:00 p.m. Friday, January 13th @ Bernie

6:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 17th vs Puxico at BEC

6:00 p.m. Friday, January 20th @ NMCC

TBA January 23rd - 27th SCAA Tournament

6:00 p.m. Friday, February 3rd @ Advance

6:00 p.m. Monday, February 6th @ Perryville

6:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 7th @ Bell City

6:00 p.m. Friday, February 10th vs Kennett at BEC (Senior Night)

6:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 14th @ Poplar Bluff

6:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 21st @ Notre Dame

6:00 p.m. Thursday, February 23rd @ Cape Central

February 25th - March 3rd Districts (TBA)