Dexter drops opener at Charleston 61-47

CHARLESTON, Mo. - The Dexter Bearcats varsity boys basketball team found its rhythm in the second half but was unable to overcome a cold offensive start Tuesday night in its season-opener against the Charleston Bluejays.

Charleston limited Dexter to just two field goals in the first half as it built a 25-10 advantage by halftime and led throughout the second half on its way to a 61-47 victory against Dexter.

"Charleston hit some 3's on us early and we had too many turnovers," Dexter coach Josh Dowdy said. "After we dug ourselves a hole, we knew we could play better, and we did in the second half. I was very proud of the resiliency we demonstrated tonight."

The Bearcats played Charleston even in the third quarter and got as close as 46-36 with 3:35 left in regulation.

"I knew they would make a run," Charleston coach Danny Farmer said. "I felt if we played defense and rebounded well enough they couldn't catch up with us and we would win it. I knew they could shoot the ball well and we had to guard their shooters."

Dexter outscored the Bluejays 21-20 in the fourth period after losing the first period 15-6 and getting outscored 10-4 in the second period.

Dexter junior guard Jacob Pedigo was a big part of the Bearcats' fourth-quarter offensive success. Pedigo tallied 12 of his team-high 17 points in the final eight minutes of play.

"It seemed like we were looking around for someone to make a play instead of attacking out of our offense early in the game," Dowdy said. "We looked more aggressive on both ends of the floor in the second half. We settled in and ran our offense. Jacob Pedigo wanted the ball and really kick-started our team in the second half. I was very proud of his play."

Charleston hit three of its five treys in the first quarter. A pair of the Bluejays' treys came from Tenerrious Ewing, who paced Charleston with 16 points.

Kelvondre Moore made all four free throws he attempted. Moore also finished in double digits with 15 points for Charleston.

Madareyon Clark tallied all 10 of his points after halftime for the Bluejays.

Farmer felt defense was the key factor for his team against Dexter.

"Offensively, we are not making our shots," Charleston coach Danny Farmer said. "But we played good enough defense to win the game. I was thrilled with the defensive game we played against Dexter. Our shots were not falling, and we had a terrible night at the free throw line. But we were still able to pull out a victory, and that's a good sign."

Dexter (0-1) is back in action Friday when it hosts Sikeston.

"These guys were very upset with the loss," Dowdy said. "We expect more and we will improve. I really like this team. If we play with the passion we showed in that second half good things will happen for us."

Charleston 61, Dexter 47

CHS 15 10 16 20 -61

DHS 6 4 16 21- 47

CHARLESTON (61) - Jaquetes Biles 1, Dontarius Sharp 5, Kelvondre Moore 15, Demarcus Sharp 8, Mardareyon Clark 10, Jeremy Tucker 4, Tenerrious Ewing 16, Ke'Sean Griffin 2. FG 22, FT 8/17, F 15. (3-pointers: Sharp 2, Moore 1. Fouled out: none).

DEXTER (47) - Adam Webb 5, Jason Jarrell 9, Jacob Pedigo 17, Ethan Flowers 5, Tyler Heil 2, Ryan Mayo 2, Gabe Jackson 7. FG 17, FT 9/15, F 16. (3-pointers: Jarrell 1, Flowers 1, Pedigo 2. Fouled out: none)

DUSTIN WARD - dward@dailystatesman.com Dexter's No. 21 Jacob Pedigo penetrates against Charleston Tuesday. Pedigo paced Dexter with 17 points

JUNIOR VARSITY

The Dexter Bearcats junior varsity outscored Charleston 12-5 in the fourth quarter as it secured a 45-36 road win Tuesday.

Seth Rogers paced Dexter's offense with 21 points. Rodgers hits the Bearcats' only trey.

Dexter 45, Charleston 36

CHS 9 11 11 5 - 36

DHS 12 13 8 12 - 45

CHARLESTON (36) - Jaquavis Rogers 7, Preston Moore 6, Jakeith Browning 6, Richard Ware 2, Latrell Porter 5, Mykondray McCain 3, Clifford Johnson 1, Delontre Fisher 6. FG 13, FT 5/15, F 19. (3-pointers: Rodgers 1, Moore 2, Browning 1, Mc Cain 1. Fouled out: none)

DEXTER (45) - Kole Kelley 2, Marcus Woodson 2, Seth Rodgers 21, Nate Gargas 9, Dawson Kasting 7, Chad Smith 1, Braxton Foster 3. FG 17, FT 10/22, F 15. (3-pointers: Rodgers 1. Fouled out: none)