Columbia, Missouri - The Dexter Lady Bearcats battled through some adversity today to defeat the Carl Junction Bulldogs by a score of 47 - 38. The Class 4A Third Place MSHSAA Championship game was every bit the battle that was anticipated in pre-game. From the full court press, to the half court trap and toss in a lot of physical play inside the paint area, this game was a battle all over the court for the full 32 minutes. The game was riddled with fouls and tough physical play by both teams.
The Lady 'Cats normally hold their own in the height category, but they were up against a well matched Carl Junction team with a 6' 0", a 6' 1" and two 6' 2" Lady Bulldogs on the opposing side. But that didn't intimidate the Bearcats of Dexter as Krysten Garrison, Hannah Thurmon and Rylee Allen had superb games banging and bumping in the middle with Carl Junction's #42 Megan Scott and #15 Alex Vogt.
Shooting percentage was a struggle for both teams during the game. Carl Junction ended the game with 10 for 54 (18.5%) on field goals and only 1 of 12 (8.3%) on 3-pointers. The Lady 'Cats were 33.3% on field goals and 14.3% overall from 3-point land.
"I thought we came out and and played a good game. Defensively we played well and put some pressure on them." commented Dexter head basketball coach Chad Allen.
"It feels great to end the season with a win and it may not be the way we wanted to go out with a 3rd place win but it was a good win and I am very proud of the girls." continued Allen.
Chaylea Mosby got things started with quickly in the first quarter as she was able to get the tip-off and take it down for a layup. Both teams battled to get into their game, ending the first quarter with a three-point lead in favor of the Bearcats, as Megan Trout took the ball coast to coast after a steal.
The Bearcats made their run in the second quarter with a great showing by Krysten Garrison and Chaylea Mosby. The LBB 'Cats were able to open up an 22 to 9 lead over the Bulldogs at the 5 minute mark of the second quarter. Coach Allen always comments that "basketball is a game of runs" and that run proved to be the difference in the outcome of this game. The Bearcats were able to maintain that going in at halftime 26 - 17.
Second half action tossed a little change in the original game plan of the 'Cats. At the midpoint of the quarter, Chaylea Mosby received a ankle injury on a charge call that sent her to the Bearcat bench. A daze seemed to come over the Lady 'Cats for a few minutes in the game but Kristen Garrison, Harley Allen and stepped up their leadership on the court to maintain the composure of the team.
A long drawn out second half filled with high pressure all over the court by the Carl Junction team forced the Bearcats to be extra cautious in taking care of the basketball. Harley Allen and Natalie Sitze found themselves surrounded throughout the quarter in a strong trap defense that was effective against the Bearcats. Rylee Allen had a game to remember inside as she played incredible defense to deny the Bulldogs any easy buckets in the paint.
Offensively, junior Krysten Garrison got hot in the third quarter as some key moments on her way to a game high of 21 points.
Senior Harley Allen proved her team leadership as she went to the line late in the game to make some crucial free throws.
Sophomore Chaylea Mosby ends the season with 110 total 3-pointers adding her name as the 6th All-Time Missouri State 3-Point Shots made in a single season.
"It is nice to win and making my last game winning up here feels great," state senior Cheyenne Mosby.
"It feels great to get this win," commented senior Harley Allen.
Final Score Dexter 47, Carl Junction 38
Dexter 10 16 9 12 - 47
Carl Junction 7 10 11 10 - 38
Dexter (47) - Natalie Sitze 2, Hannah Thurmon 5, Krysten Garrison 21, Harley Allen 4, Chaylea Mosby 11, Rylee Allen 2, Megan Trout 2, FG 15, FT 19/34, (3-pointers: Chaylea Mosby 2, Fouled Out: None)
Carl Junction (38) - Emma Frack 3, Dani Wrensch, Alex Vogt, Katie Scott 15, Lauren Walker 4, FG 11, FT 17/23 (3-pointers: Emma Frack 1, Fouled Out: None)
