Bloomfield, Missouri - The Dexter Bearcats met up with their neighbor the Richland Rebels in the opening game of the 2017 Bloomfield Christmas Tournament on Tuesday, December 26th.
After a long rest the Bearcats came out strong and quickly delivered for Coach Josh Dowdy. By the end of the first quarter Dexter led by 17 points, 23-6.
"Our goal was to come out and create some enthusiasm by talking and communicating on defense," commented head coach Josh Dowdy. "I felt like we showed some improvement in that area."
Senior Gabe Jackson recorded a game-high 20 points. Half of his points were in the third quarter.
"We had a few possessions where we reversed the ball and when that happens, Gabe does a good job of sealing his man and he was able to get loose to score some easy buckets," Dowdy said of Jackson's efforts on the court.
Senior Ben Sindle tallied all three of his treys in the first quarter and senior Alan Pippins scored all four of his treys in the second quarter for Dexter.
"Alan shot the ball well today. We know he is capable of getting hot behind the arch," continued Dowdy. "He shot the ball with confidence."
Ten of 14 Bearcats scored during the game. Of those ten, four were in double digits. Joe Rice, a 5'11" junior guard, recorded 11 points all in the first and 3rd quarters. Dawson Kasting, a 6'1" senior forward, tallied 10 points.
At the half Dexter was ahead by 39 points, 52-13.
"This is a real unselfish group. They root for one another when they are on the bench," stated Dowdy. "Clay sat out today and he was actively involved in motivating his teammates. That is always good to see."
Dexter 23 29 19 11 - 82
Richland 6 7 2 10 - 25
Dexter (82) - Joe Rice 11, Seth Rogers 4, Nate Gargas 2, Alan Pippins 12, Braxton Foster 4, Ben Sindle 9, Dawson Kasting 10, Ethan Kincy 8, Garrett Henson 2, Gabe Jackson 20. FG 33, FT 9/16, F 7. (3-pointers: Pippins 4, Sindle 3, Fouled Out: None).
Richland (25) - Daniel Petty 2, Tanner Freeman 5, Jackson Bell 5, Skylar Oakley 2, Andrew Partenberry 2, Hunter Walker 7. FG 11, FT 2/3, F 13. (3-pointers: Freeman 1, Bell 1, Walker 1. Fouled Out: None)
Dexter will play at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, December 27th in Game #13 against the winner of the #8 South Pemiscot and #9 Kennett game to be played at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening.
East Prairie will play at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 27th in Game #12 against the losing team of the South Pem/Kennett game.
