Bloomfield, Missouri - Dexter seeded #2 upset the No. 1 seed Hayti to win the 60th Bloomfield Christmas Tournament for the first time in 12 years.  Hayti's one and only championship win was in 2007.

"Winning this tournament was one of our primary goals this season especially after coming so close last season," commented Dexter boys basketball coach Josh Dowdy.  Dexter finished second to Kennett in the 2015 Bloomfield Christmas Tournament.

"I just wanted something like this (winning the Bloomfield Christmas Tournament) to help them realize that hard work does pay off," continued Dowdy.  "I know they have questioned that many times when I have told them to "get on the line".  Gabe Jackson and Jason Jarrell were so good this week.  I could tell many times in the huddle that they did not want to experience what we did last year."

Bearcat Junior Gabe Jackson recorded 12 points and senior Jason Jarrell tallied 10 points.  Jackson finished the tournament with a total of 54 points and Jarrell finished with 49 points.

Jackson and Jarrell were also named to the 2016 Bloomfield Christmas All-Tournament Team.

"I have always told Gabe to always use two hands when rebounding, passing, and catching," Dowdy said of Jackson.  "I looked over at the end of the night and he was raising that big trophy with two hands.....and all I thought was maybe he does listen to me every now and then!"

The Dexter Bearcats outscored Hayti by single digits in every quarter on their way to a 57-34 victory!  They scored eight 2-pointers and four treys in the first half.

Clay Mullins calculated a game-high 17 points for Dexter.  He increased his team's lead 30-18 with a 3-pointer just before the buzzer at the end of the first half.

"Clay had a real nice tournament," stated Dowdy.  "He has been a great addition to this group.  he is a talented player but most importantly he has come in here and learned what we are trying to do and has blended in with these guys like he has been here forever."

Alan Pippins brings a lot of energy to the group.  He and Sindle come out with enthusiasm and lift the team.

"Alan is the guy that will just do whatever is asked of him," Dowdy said.  "He will handle the ball, knock down crucial free throws, and is just real coachable.  He had a big week for us as well."

Hayti attempted to rally turning to a full court press after half-time, but it was not enough and allowed Dexter to claim their first Bloomfield Christmas Tournament under head coach Josh Dowdy and their first title since 2004.

Kedron Rollings contributed 10 points while Kobe Cooper finished second in scoring for Hayti with nine points.

Hayti drops to 8-3 with the loss. Dexter improves above the 500 mark to 6-5 with the win.

"When I first met these boys may of them were riding their bikes to practice," reflected Dowdy.  "I still remember a curly headed boy who I had just met would not leave the gym after we got through working out.  Five years later he is still one of the last guys out of the gym.  This is none other than Ben Sindle. He has become a role player each year.  It's just one example of why this team had some success up here this week. Ben has put in extra work and that had made him a real threat.  He is so deserving of any success that he has on and off the court."

"Dawson Kasting seldom played in middle school.  You wouldn't ever think that now - his persistence and character has carried him through," continued Dowdy.  "Ryan Mayo is very similar. He was our sixth man his eight grade year.  I could not be more proud of these kids and the lessons they have learned through basketball."

"What can I say about our Junior Varsity.  These guys deserve this as much as the guys on the floor.  They pushed us in practice over the break, cheered us on from the bench, and just provided that extra spark.  They collectively were our "sixth man!"

Ben Sindle and Clay Mullins each shot two 3-pointers for the Bearcats.  Kasting and Mayo contributed four each and Braxton Foster his a basket late in the fourth quarter.

What a great experience it has been for the Dexter Bearcats.  They will be back in action on Friday, December 6, 2017 for their Winter Homecoming against the Woodland Cardinals.  Game time is 6:00 p.m. with Homecoming Court named prior to the start of the varsity game.

Final Score Dexter 57, Hayti 34

Dexter     13   17   10   17  -   57

Hayti          9     9     7     9  -   34

Dexter (57) - Jason Jarrell 10, Braxton Foster 2, Ben Sindle 6, Clay Mullins 17, Dawson Kasting 4, Ryan Mayo 4, Gabe Jackson 12. FG 21, FT 9/13, F 11. (3-pointers: Sindle 2, Mullins 2. Fouled Out: None).

Hayti  (34) - Kobe Cooper 9, Darius Jones 6, Kedron Rollings 10, Kemron Rollings 6, Dayon Moore 2. FG 14, FT 1/4, F 14. (3-pointers: Jones 2, Cooper 1, Kedron Rollings 1. Fouled Out: Kemron Rollings).

"One last thing!  We had a big student section at each game.  You could hear them roar above the crowd at times. It was just awesome!"

"I also want to mention the hard work of our manager Carson Hankins.  His spirit helped us raise that trophy!"