Dexter, Missouri - T.S. Hill Middle School track team will open on the road on Wednesday, March 22nd at the Malden Open.
Dexter Middle School will host the Dexter Invitational on Thursday, March 30th at 4 p.m. at the Charles Bland football field.
Coaches are Greg Lummukka and Rob Nichols.
7th grade female track athletes: Miranda Norman, Julianna Rivera, Danielle Morgan, Allison Thurlkill, Gabrielle Brown, Alyssa Frizzell, Ivy Tucker, Toni Long, Natalie Bolin, Natalie Sells, Hannah Frazier, Rachel Linn, and Kellsie Shelton.
7th grade male track athletes: John Williamson, Damon Helton, and Cayden Mansker.
8th grade female track athletes: Sydney Asberry, Alanie Lacy, Destiny Durham, Malia Ellsworth, Courtney Northcutt, Alexis Davis, Madelyn Haynes, Tristin Pullum, Kyla Propst, Payton Phelan, and Maddy Cornell.
8th grade male track athletes: Gavin Cartwright, Nate Bryant, CJ Greene, Landon Hoggard, Carter Dorton, Jacob Medler, Brett Pollock, Jeb Hubbard, Corey Hawkins, Ryder Boles, Kobe Cagle, and Colton Evans.
2017 T.S. Hill Middle School Track Schedule:
Wednesday, March 22nd @ Malden Open (A) 3 pm
Thursday, March 23rd @ Chaffee Open (A) 4 pm
Tuesday, March 28th @ East Prairie Invitational (A) 4 pm
Thursday, March 30th Dexter Invitational (HOME) 4 pm
Monday, April 3rd @ Malden Invitational (A) 4 pm
Wednesday, April 5th @ Kelly Invitational (A) 4 pm
Monday, April 10th @ Kennett Invitational (A) 4 pm
Wednesday, April 12th @ Kelly Open (A) 4 pm
Wednesday, April 19th @ Poplar Bluff Invitational (A) 4 pm
Thursday, April 20th @ Chaffee Invitational (A) 4 pm
Friday, April 21st @ Charleston Invitational (A) 4 pm
Wednesday, April 26th @ Cape Central Invitational (A) 4 pm
Team photo will be taken at the Dexter Invitational on Thursday, March 30, 2017.
Dexter, Missouri - The Dexter Chamber of Commerce, Dexter Parks and Recreation and the Dexter Public Schools held a ribbon cutting for the major improvements made at the baseball field at East City Park on Saturday, March 11, 2017.
Improvements included adding a grass infield, adding a net backstop stretching from dugout to dugout, redoing the backstop with breck facade, enlarging the dugouts to include a short fence, and dugouts are now made of block with locking gates at the entrances. Other improvements were revamping the bullpens and adding concrete pads under the existing bleachers.
On hand were city officials, current Dexter High School Bearcat baseball players, and former Dexter baseball players.
Shown in the photo are former Dexter High School baseball players: Aaron Mathis, Ken Rinehart, Caleb Miller, John Stephens, Josh Miller, Mark Nea, Mark Becker, Scott Kruse, Chase Kennedy, Cody Boyer, Jason Mayer, Coach A.J. Nugent, Bryan Becker, Aaron Pixley, Darren Hillis, Blake Horton, Josh Dowdy, Michael Hobbs, Darrin Burnett, Greg Pieffer, Brian Bess, and James Sneed.
Former DHS Coach A.J. Nugent threw out a ceremonial pitch at the baseball field. Mark Stidham, City Administrator, along with Dexter School Board President Rick Williams addressed the large crowd.
Dexter, Missouri - The Lady Cats softball team opens at home on Tuesday, March 21st against the Bloomfield Lady Wildcats. Game time is 4:30 p.m.
"Looking at the upcoming season, we have some different components to add to our program," commented Lady Cats head softball coach Starla Pulley. "Our team is more versatile this year, bringing back several players, but also adding a large freshman group."
Freshman athletes are Shae Baker #19, Kelsey Carriers #16, Colby Christian #5, Mallory Dunlap #11, Madilyn Hampton #7, Madeline Parker #14, and Annie Slaton #9.
"We have 7 players from our freshman class, four of them being possible starters," continued Pulley. "Our freshman group will contribute in many ways. We will add Kelsey Carrier and Mallory Dunlap to our pitching lineup."
Sophomores are Demi Cecil #1, Kelby Hill #3, Chaylea Mosby #15, and Emily Smith #2.
"Returning that helped some last year with pitching is sophomore Demi Cecil. She will also contribute in other areas," stated Pulley. "They all bring experience playing traveling ball and continue to seek and get better. Pitching has been something that we have struggled with since I took over 2 years ago. Our line-up this year will have a strong presence at the plate, we have the potential to have a powerful lineup."
"We are also returning Kaylee Carey and Chaylea Mosby and both of them batted over 500 last year."
"We have three to four additional players that show potential to be power hitters as well. Chaylea will be coming back as well and lead the team in defensive percentage and with home runs."
The only junior on the Lady Cats softball team is Lauryn Davis #18.
"Lauren moved in from Naylor this year and she will be a strong contributor in our offense and defense," Pulley said.
Seniors are Kaylee Carey #12, Haley Cornett #4, Cidney Gathings #13, Cheyenne Mosby #17, and Olivia Sitzes #8.
Carey, a senior, has already signed to play at Crowley's Ridge College. She will be a strong presence for the Lady Cats defensively and offensively. Carey also lead the team last year offensively.
"She leads by example and is a hard worker.," Pulley said of Carey. "Very proud of her to have signed to play ball at CRC."
"Cheyenne Mosby is another senior and she is a very hard worker and missed the end of last year due to an injury," continued Pulley. "I will be looking at her to help us out in the outfield and offensively."
"Haley Cornett, Olivia Sitzes, Cidney Gathings they round up our seniors. All three of them work hard and I can see them contributing in a variety of ways for us this season. They all are very versatile players."
"We have also been working with a couple of girls on slap hitting to mix up our offensive some," finished Pulley. "They are fast and quick and it adds another element to the game."
The annual Swing Pink Tournament is slated for Saturday, April 8th. The Stoddard County Athletic Association (SCAA) Tournament is scheduled for April 17th - April 20th. Class 1 - State Tournament begins with District play on May 8th - May 20th.
2017 Spring Lady Cats Softball Schedule
Tuesday, March 21st 4:30 p.m. vs Bloomfield (H)
Wednesday, March 22nd at 4:30 p.m. vs Clearwater (H)
Friday, March 24th at 4:30 p.m. vs Doniphan (H)
Monday, March 27th at 4:30 p.m. @ Twin Rivers (A)
Tuesday, March 28th at 4:30 p.m. vs Kennett (H)
Thursday, March 30th at 4:30 p.m. vs Bernie (H)
Friday, March 31st at 4:30 p.m. vs Woodland (H)
Tuesday, April 4th at 4:30 p.m. @ Malden (A)
Thursday, April 6th at 4:30 p.m. vs Puxico (H)
Monday, April 10th at 4:30 p.m. @New Madrid County Central (A)
Tuesday, April 11th at 4:30 p.m. @ Charleston (A)
Thursday, April 15th at 4:30 p.m. @ Advance (A)
Wednesday, April 19th at 4:30 p.m. @ Oran (A)
Friday, April 21st at 4:30 p.m. vs Greenville (H)
Wednesday, April 26th at 4:30 p.m. vs Leopold (H)
Thursday, April 27th at 4:30 p.m. vs Senath-Hornersville (Senior Night)
Friday, April 28th at 4:30 p.m. @ Caruthersville
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)
Columbia, Missouri - The Dexter Lady 'Cats will be waking up this morning with a little fire to get back to the court after last night's loss to the St. Pius Warriors 59 - 34. Today's game could be noted as the Class 4 State Championship for public schools as opposed to Saturday's game between the two private school powerhouse teams.
Carl Junction (27-3) suffered a tough loss to Incarnate Word last night by a score of 47 - 24. The Bearcats, with a 22 - 9 season record, are focused on ending on a good note. This is the third attempt for the Bearcats in the consolation bracket and they have settled for 4th place in both previous attempts.
Carl Junction is located in Jasper County in the Southwest part of Missouri with an enrollment of 1,006 students, compared to Dexter's 633 students. The Lady Bulldogs have two strong weapons in 6' 1" senior Alex Vogt with 13.4 points per game average and 6' 2" junior Megan Scott with 11.4 points per game average. Vogt is shooting 57% from the field and is a strong inside force for the Lady Bulldogs. Carl Junction is not quite the strong outside shooting team with only one strong threat from the outside, Emma Frack, with 44 three-pointers on the year with a 32% three-point percentage.
This contrasts to the Lady Bearcat's total of 203 three-point shots on the year, led by Chaylea Mosby's amazing 108 made three pointers at a 47% rate. As of today, Mosby is tied for 8th place in the All-Time History of Missouri Lady's Basketball for 3-Point shots made in a season. Harley Allen has dumped in her share of 3-point baskets with 39 for the season, which is second on the team, followed by Sitze with 26 three-pointers made.
Dexter is a well-rounded team with strong stats in all areas of the game. Natalie Sitze has 110 assists on the season followed by Mosby with 74 and Hannah Thurmon with 53 assists. Thurmon's mark on assists is a strong stat considering she is one of the Bearcat's post players.
Thurmon also leads the Lady 'Cats in rebounding with 168 rebounds. Mosby is a close second with 131 followed by Rylee Allen off the bench with 104 rebounds. Two other notable "off-the-bench" players for the 'Cats are Maycie Martin and Megan Trout. Martin is currently 3rd on the team in field goal percentage making 52% of her shots and Megan Trout is that high energy defensive backup point guard that allows the LBB to never miss a beat when she enters the game.
Krysten Garrison has posted some incredible numbers coming off a major shoulder surgery at the beginning of the season with an solid 14.2 per game average on scoring, placing her as the second leading scorer on the team.
As you can see, the Dexter LBB is completely solid from starters to bench so they enter the game today in a good position to earn the 3rd place trophy. The Lady Bearcat program has an incredible group of coaches that has formed this tradition over the years. Head Coach Chad Allen enters the game with a carer winning record of 223 wins and 66 losses. His highly valued assistant coach Eric Sitze has a strong background leading the Boys's Basketball program to a final-four appearance in the early 2000's.
Game time is at 12:45 today from the MIZZOU Arena. Catch the action on the big screen at First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall where they will again host a Lady Bearcat Watch Party beginning at noon on Friday!
