Poplar Bluff, Missouri - Coming off of an 0-2 Thanksgiving weekend playing two very formidable opponents in St. Louis, the Lady Cats battled once again against the Cape Central Lady Tigers and earned a victory 76-61 pushing them into semifinal action of the inaugural SEMO Conference Girls Basketball Tournament.
The No. 8 seeded Lady Tigers gave everything they had in the opening round staying within just a few points through the first quarter and well into the second period before the Lady Cats stepped up and started knocking them down after the half gaining a 24 point lead before emptying the bench in the 4th quarter.
"We came out a little flat in the beginning," commented Dexter head girls varsity coach Chad Allen. "We got off to a very slow start. It is just a matter of us competing. They have to make up their minds that they want to win and get after it. We just talked to them in the locker room about that."
"I thought we were more active in the second half," continued Allen. "We got off to a good start in the 3rd quarter and made a good run. Then they got a few on us there at the end. Defensively we have got to match up better. We need to know who our shooters are and we have got to go cover."
Dexter (1-2) will face #4 Sikeston Lady Bulldogs (1-1) at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 29th for a shot at the SEMO Conference Championship Game slated for Thursday.
Sophomore #35 Chaylea Mosby had an incredible game knocking down a trey in the first 45 seconds of the game on her way to a game-high 22 points.
senior #33 Harley Allen also scored double digits contributing 17 points. She hit a 3-pointer a minute later after Mosby for a 6-0 lead in the first quarter.
Sophomore #1 Maycie Martin added 10 points.
Abbie Reece and Yienvi Johnson answered with back-to-back shots for Cape Central narrowing the lead two in the first few minutes of the game, then added 4 more treys throughout the game. The Cape Central Tigers kept pace with the Bearcats until late in the second quarter. Mosby, Allen, and Hannah Thurmon went on 17-8 run and never looked back.
Junior forward #34 Abbie Reece finished the game with a team-high 17 points followed by junior guard #10 Corrie Reece with 15 points.
Final Score Cape Central 61, Dexter 76
Cape Central 10 15 13 23 - 61
Dexter 14 19 24 19 - 76
Cape Central (61) - Sydney Tollison 5, Corie Reece 16, Abbie Leimer 7, Abby Dumey 8, Yienvi Johnson 2, Abbie Reece 18, Yienvi Johnson 5. FG 16, FT 8/11, F 16. (3-pointers: Corrie Reece 4, Abby Dumey 2, Sydney Tollison 1. Fouled Out: Katherine Morton).
Dexter (76) - Maycie Martin 10, Rylee Allen 4, Natalie Sitze 6, Meghan Trout 1, Keirstan Keirsey 6, Madison Crockett 2, Cheyenne Mosby 2, Hannah Thurmon 6, Harley Allen 17, Chaylea Mosby 22. FG 14, FT 12/24, F 13 (3-pointers: Harley Allen 5, Chaylea Mosby 4, Keirstan Keirsey 2, Sitze 1. Fouled Out: None)
In other SEMO Conference action Sikeston beat Kennett 48-29, Jackson beat Poplar Bluff 48-35, and Notre Dame beat Saxony Lutheran 67-63.
Line-up for Tuesday, November 29th - 4:00 p.m. Cape Central vs Kennett, 5:30 p.m. Poplar Bluff vs Saxony Lutheran, 7:00 p.m. Dexter vs Sikeston, and 8:30 p.m. Jackson vs Notre Dame.
Pictures is #1 Maycie Martin about to shoot for the Lady Bearcats against Cape Central Tigers at the 2016 SEMO Conference Tournament.
St. Louis, Missouri - The Lady Cats fell in their second game in as many days on Saturday, November 26, 2016 to the Kirkwood Pioneers at St. Joseph Academy in St. Louis. Final score was 58 - 28. The Pioneers are a Class 5 public school located in Kirkwood, Missouri and are ranked #2in the STLhighschoolsports.com large-school rankings for the 2016-2017 season.
The Lady Pioneers were able to hold Dexter to single digits in 3 of the 4 quarters, only the second quarter were the Lady Cats able to get 10 points on the board.
Harley Allen, Hannah Thurmon and Cheyenne Mosby lead the Bearcats with 6 points each. Cheyenne Mosby and Harley Allen made their points on treys. Madyson Crockett and Natalie Sitze each added a 3-pointers.
The Pioneer to beat was Jayal Everett with a game-high 18 points. Lauryn Miller added 16 points. Lola Bracy and Makayla Wallace each had two 3-pointers and Jayal Everett and Lauryn Miller added one trey each.
Final Score Dexter 28, Kirkwood 58
Dexter 8 10 5 5 - 28
Kirkwood 19 15 16 8 - 58
Dexter (28) - Macie Martin 2, Rylee Allen 2, Natalie Sitze 3, Madyson Crockett 3, Cheyenne Mosby 6, Hannah Thurmon 6 and Harley Allen 6. FG 10, FT 2/4, F 11 (3-pointers: Natalie Sitze 1, Madyson Crockett 1, Cheyenne Mosby 2, Harley Allen 2. Fouled Out: None)
Kirkwood (58) - Lola Brcy 8, Jayal Everett 18, Natalie Bruns 4, Makayla Wallace 6, Abby Ludbrook 2, Lauryn Miller 16, Emily Kriedler 2, Kellie Gilmore 2. FG 24, 4/8, F 14. (3-pointers: Lola Bracy 2, Jayal Everett 1, Makayla Wallace 2, Lauryn Miller 1, Fouled Out: None)
The Lady Bearcats (0-2) will be back in action on Monday, November 28th when they play the first game of the inaugural 2016 SEMO Conference girls basketball tournament at Poplar Bluff at 4:00 p.m. against the Cape Central Tigers.
Pictured is #33 Harley Allen at the LBB vs Cape Central game on Monday, November 28th.
St. Louis, Missouri - The duo of Alex Kerr and Kelly McLaughlin outscored Dexter as they combined for 38 points in the St. Joseph's Turkey Shootout on Friday, November 25, 2016. St. Joseph's Academy is ranked #9 in the STLhighschoolsports.com large schools rankings.
"St. Joe came out in a 3-2 zone and typically they play man-to-man," commented Dexter head varsity girls basketball coach Chad Allen. It through us off guard a bit. They really packed it in and it was a great defense for them due to their size, length, and strength causing us some problems tonight."
"We just weren't knocking down perimeter shots we were just so cold if we could have gotten into a rhythm early on and started knocking down a lot of shots it could have opened up that zone a little bit and get the ball inside a little bit.
"On our defensive end it was tough to guard McLaughlin," continued Allen. "She is alone inside and it is tough for anyone to guard her inside."
It was good experience for the Lady Cats of Dexter. They never gave up fighting such a formidable group of athletes. Going into the shootout the Lady Bearcats knew it would be a battle, but also a great learning experience for them as it will help them later in the season as well as in District play. The first few games of the season will be some of their toughest on the 2016-2017 schedule.
"We just couldn't match up with both of them," Allen said of Kerr and McLaughlin. "One of the reasons we come up here is to play these types of teams. We just won't see these kind of athletes until late in the year or maybe in the play-offs. It will definitely make us better."
Chaylea Mosby led Dexter with 13 points including three treys.
"Chaylea could not penetrate that 3-2 zone for us, but she is a very athletic girl and a powerful player," stated Allen. "It was just tough to score inside and not many opportunities to get to the goal."
It was also great experience for the young sophomore squad. Natalie Sitze, Macie Martin, and Rylee Allen each got some playing time.
"Natalie played well for us tonight. She is going to make a good point guard. Macie got a lot of minutes as well and is quite athletic. It was good for Rylee to get that experience also. It will pay off for us."
Kelly McLaughlin who has already signed to play women's basketball at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio scored a game-high 30 points.
Final Score Dexter 36, St. Joseph's Academy 61
Dexter 4 14 10 8 - 36
St. Joseph's Academy 20 16 13 12 - 61
Dexter (36) - Macie Martin 4, Rylee Allen 4, Natalie Sitze 3, Cheyenne Mosby 5, Hannah Thurmon 1, Harley Allen 6, Chaylea Mosby 13. FG 13, FT 3/6, F 1. (3-pointers: Natalie Sitze 1, Cheyenne Mosby 1, Harley Allen 2, Chaylea Mosby 3. Fouled Out: None)
St. Joseph's Academy (61) - Mallory Stock 2, Mary LaBelle 4, Claire Shackleford 1, Erika Pudlowski 2, Annie Lally 4, Alex Kerr 8, Meredith Yalden 4, Zarnice Little 2, Grace Lewis 2, Annmarie Tyson 2, Kelly McLaughlin 30. FG 23/35 FT 14/23, F 12 (3-pointers: Annie Lally 1, Fouled Out: None)
Shown in the photo is Chaylea Mosby #35 for the Dexter Lady Cats. Photo taken during the SEMO Conference first round game against Cape Central Tigers on Monday, November 28, 2016.
Sikeston, Missouri - The SEMO Conference boys basketball seeds have been set! The Sikeston Bulldogs were chosed as this year's top seed in the nine-team tournament to be held at the Sikeston Field House December 5th - 9th.
The Poplar Bluff Mules received the #2 seed followed by #3 Jackson, #4 Charleston, #5 Cape Central, #6 Notre Dame, #7 Kennett, #8 Dexter, and #9 New Madrid County Central.
The Dexter Bearcats will face New Madrid County Central in a "play-in" game on Monday, December 5th at 5:30 p.m. Sikeston will then play the winner of that game at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 6th.
Jackson will face Notre Dame on December 5th at 7:00 p.m. followed by Poplar Bluff and Kennett at 8:30 p.m.
Charleston will play Cape Central on Tuesday, December 6th at 5:30 p.m. The loser of the "play-in" game will play the loser of the Poplar Bluff-Kennett game on Tuesday, December 6th at 8:30 p.m. for an opportunity to remain in the SEMO Conference Tournament and play the loser of the Jackson/Notre Dame game in a consolation semifinal.
Complete Schedule:
Monday, December 5th
#8 Dexter vs #9 NMCC 5:30 p.m.
Quarterfinal #3 Jackson vs #6 Notre Dame 7:00 p.m.
Quarterfinal #2 Poplar Bluff vs #7 Kennett 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, December 6th
Quarterfinal #4 Charleston vs #5 Cape Central 5:30 p.m.
Quarterfinal #1 Sikeston vs either Dexter or NMCC 7:00 p.m.
Consolation Quarterfinal Poplar Bluff/Kennett vs Dexter/NMCC 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 7th
Consolation Semifinal 6:00 p.m.
Consolation Semifinal 7:30 p.m.
Friday, December 9th
Consolation 5:30 p.m.
Third Place 7:00 p.m.
Championship 8:30 p.m.
Shown in the photo above: #10 senior Jason Jarrell and #33 senior Ryan Mayo.
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)
