The Dexter Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Shooting woes haunt Dexter
By Don Richter, Sports Editor
PUBLISHED: January 18, 2007
Dexter's boys' basketball team is playing stingy defense, holding every opponent under 50 points so far this season. The problem the Dreadnaughts (5-3, 2-1 Southeastern Conference) are facing this year is not stopping foes, but putting the ball in the basket.
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Last Friday was a classic example of that fact as host Dexter lost to Ann Arbor Pioneer 48-35.
The Dreadnaughts, once again, held their opponent under 50 points, but as has been the case this season, Dexter had trouble scoring points.
"We shot 29 percent from the floor," said Dexter coach Randy Swoverland. "We played well defensively. We had open shots, but didn't make them. We also were out-rebounded 34-26 on the boards. There were two factors for our loss – our inability to score and being out-rebounded."
The Pioneers led by only four points 10-6 after one quarter.
In the second quarter, Ann Arbor outscored the Dreadnaughts 12-6 taking a 22-12 advantage into the break.
Entering the fourth quarter, Pioneer continued leading 34-20.
"They opened up a close game with runs late in the second quarter and early in the third quarter," Swoverland said.
In the fourth quarter, Dexter netted 15 points and Ann Arbor 14 points for the night's final margin.
Senior forward James Nati (6-foot-3) and junior guard T.J. Fenske led the Dreadnaughts with eight points apiece.
Senior point guard Johnny Benjamin (6-4) had a fine all around game with six points, 10 rebounds and four assists, while junior guard Ryan Lemasters had four points and senior forward Rob Kuzon four points and 11 boards for Dexter.
On Jan. 9, the visiting Dreadnaughts defeated Saline 44-35.
Dexter's defense smothered the Hornets, especially in the first half.
"They (Saline) had a tough time," Swoverland said. "They missed a lot of shots. Our defense played well."
To begin the contest, the Dreadnaughts ran out to an 11-3 first quarter lead.
At halftime, Dexter increased its advantage to a commanding 22-9 margin.
Heading into the fourth quarter, the Dreadnaughts maintained their lead 32-19.
In the fourth stanza, Saline outscored Dexter during mop-up time 16-12 for the ending tally.
"We had a 19-point lead with two minutes to go," Swoverland said. "They had a late run. But we had a comfortable lead and maintained it."
Fenske paced the Dreadnaughts with 12 points.
Benjamin finished with nine points, 12 rebounds and three assists, while Kuzon had nine points and Nati eight points for Dexter.
The Dreadnaughts, who've won two out of their last three games, next travel to Temperance Bedford for a game Friday at 7 p.m.
On Jan. 26, Dexter visits SEC White Division foe Ypsilanti Lincoln for a contest at 7 p.m.
Freshman Basketball
Dexter's freshman boys' basketball team lost to host Saline 42-35 Jan. 9.
Nick Gonet led the Dreadnaughts (2-2, 1-1 Southeastern Conference) with 11 points. Alex Dobbs added nine points for Dexter.
"We were tied at 35 with two and a half minutes to go," said Dexter coach Brock Rychener. "We were outscored 7-0 to end the game. We got killed on the glass. That was disappointing."
The Dreadnaughts also hurt themselves from the free throw line finishing 5-of-17 for the game.
On Dec. 15, host Dexter beat Adrian 44-40.
On Dec. 12, the visiting Dreadnaughts lost to Carleton Airport 53-34.
To open the season, host Dexter topped Manchester 45-43.
The Dreadnaughts next travel to Temperance Bedford for a contest Friday at 5:30 p.m.
On Jan. 26, Dexter visits Ypsilanti Lincoln for a game at 5:30 p.m.
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