The Dexter Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Free throws spark Dreads
By Don Richter, Sports Editor
PUBLISHED: January 17, 2008
Dexter's boys' basketball team used a 12-6 third quarter outburst to defeat visiting Saline 47-42 last Friday.
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In the fourth quarter, the Dreadnaughts (7-2, 4-1 Southeastern Conference) secured their victory by calmly sinking 14-of-18 free throws.
"It was a close game throughout," said Dexter coach Randy Swoverland. "Neither team was able to open up a big lead."
To begin the contest, both teams battled to a 9-9 draw after one quarter.
In the second stanza, Dexter outscored the Hornets 8-7 taking a slim 17-16 lead into the locker room.
In the third quarter, the Dreadnaughts clamped down defensively, holding Saline to a sneaker-squeaking six points, while netting 12 points of their own increasing their advantage to 29-22 heading into the fourth quarter.
In the fourth frame, the Hornets pounded the ball inside to 6-foot-4, 220-pound senior post player Kyle Larsen, who scored 11 of his 19 points in the quarter, to make the game close. In the end, however, Dexter's almost laser-perfect free throw shooting stemmed the tide and earned the Dreadnaughts the victory.
Leading Dexter was senior guard T.J. Fenske (6-1) with 18 points, including 6-of-8 from the free throw line in the game-deciding fourth quarter. Fenske also had four assists and three steals.
Senior center David Pisano (6-5, 225) added 12 points, while sophomore guard Stefan Elslager (5-11) had nine points and junior guard Ryan Lemasters (5-10) a team-high seven assists for the Dreadnaughts.
On Jan. 8, visiting Dexter lost to unbeaten and state-ranked Ann Arbor Pioneer 54-37.
An athletic and fast club, the Pioneers used their speed on defense to change the tempo and turn the game around, especially in the third quarter, when Ann Arbor outscored the Dreadnaughts 19-8.
"Pioneer extended their press and that led to easy baskets for them," Swoverland said. "They were able to break open a close game."
Dexter trailed 11-6 after one quarter of play.
In the second quarter, the Dreadnaughts closed the gap to 24-20.
After Ann Arbor unleashed its press in the third quarter, Dexter trailed 43-28 entering the fourth frame.
In the fourth quarter, Pioneer outscored the Dreads 11-9 for the night's final margin.
Junior forward Dan Newell (6-4) paced Dexter with 12 points.
Fenske chipped in nine points for the Dreadnaughts.
Dexter has a week off before hitting the court at Ypsilanti Lincoln 7 p.m. Jan. 25.
On Jan. 29, the Dreadnaughts travel to Saline for a game at 7 p.m.
JV Basketball
Dexter's JV boys' basketball team defeated visiting Saline 51-38 last Friday.
With the victory, the Dreadnaughts (5-4) have won five of their last six games.
After taking a 12-11 first quarter lead, Dexter outscored the Hornets 14-5 in the second frame, vaulting ahead 26-16 at the break.
In the third quarter, the Dreadnaughts continued increasing their advantage, bottling up Saline defensively and outscoring the Hornets 11-4 for a 37-20 lead entering the fourth stanza.
In the fourth quarter, Saline outscored Dexter 18-14 for the contest's ending tally.
The Dreadnaughts drained four triples for the game.
Matt Muchmore led Dexter with 13 points.
David LaMore (6-6) added 10 points, while Thomas Monson had eight points for the Dreadnaughts.
Despite the win, Dexter coach Tim Cain said the Dreads still had plenty to work on.
"We were 11-of-23 from the free throw line," he said. "I think we lost our focus a little bit."
On Jan. 8, visiting Dexter lost to Ann Arbor Pioneer 56-49.
The Dreadnaughts led 16-15 after the opening quarter.
In the second quarter, the Pioneers outscored Dexter 14-4 taking a 29-20 advantage into halftime.
"That 14-4 second quarter was the turning point in the game," Cain said. "We're trying to learn to play for four quarters. We're trying to not have any lulls."
In the third quarter, the Dreadnaughts played better, outscoring Ann Arbor 13-12 trailing 41-33 heading into the fourth frame.
In the fourth quarter, Dexter scored 16 points, while limiting the Pioneers to 15 points for the game's final outcome.
LaMore led the Dreadnaughts with 15 points.
Alex Dobbs ended up with 10 points, while Mike Kedroske and Monson each had six points for Dexter.
The Dreadnaughts nailed six three-pointers for the game.
Dexter next travels to Ypsilanti Lincoln for a contest Jan. 25 at 5:30 p.m.
On Jan. 29, the Dreadnaughts visit Saline for a match-up at 5:30 p.m.
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