The Dexter Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Winter season exciting
By Don Richter, Sports Editor
PUBLISHED: March 22, 2007
Okay, everybody exhale.
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The winter sports season for Chelsea and Dexter is over. And what a season it turned out to be.
First off, the boys' basketball campaign for both Dexter and Chelsea was one to remember. The combined record for both clubs this year was an impressive 41-7. That's a lot of "W's" on Tuesday and Friday nights in and around these parts.
The two games between the county rivals this season were both edge-of-your-seat clashes.
In the first meeting Feb. 2 the host Bulldogs, who finished the year 23-2, topped the Dreadnaughts, who ended up 18-5, 58-53 despite a stirring Dexter rally at the end.
In the second game, and regular season finale, one month later, host Dexter returned the favor, defeating an unbeaten and No. 2 state-ranked Chelsea 59-57 in an overtime classic. In front of a jam-packed 2,400 spectators, Dreadnaught senior guard Johnny Benjamin drilled a three-pointer at the buzzer sending the game into the extra session. In overtime, Benjamin was again the hero, this time swishing a soft jumper in the lane as the horn sounded for the game-winner.
The Bulldogs, whose 23 wins were a school record, would go on to capture a Class B district title before falling in the regional finals to Detroit Southwestern. Dexter, on the other hand, ended its season losing in the Class A district final to Ann Arbor Pioneer.
In volleyball, Chelsea's Ann Kendzicky, a sweet-swinging 5-foot-11 senior outside hitter/middle blocker, was part of a select group this season as one of the state's Miss Volleyball candidates. Though not being crowned the state's best spiker, Kendzicky did sign a letter-of-intent to play volleyball next season for defending Division II national champion Grand Valley State University.
As a team, the Bulldogs won a Class B district championship before losing to Coldwater in a regional semifinal match.
Dexter senior middle blocker Camille Hanks (6-0) was named Dreadnaught MVP this past season after leading the squad in kills and blocks. Dexter reached the Class A district finals before falling to Ann Arbor Pioneer in a five-set marathon 16-25, 25-14, 25-18, 23-25, 9-15. The Dreads finished the year 34-21-4 overall.
In boys' swimming and diving, Dexter placed 24th in the Division II state meet at Oakland University. Dreadnaught senior Kirk Kumbier was the team's top finisher ending up sixth in the state in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:00.96. Though not cracking the state's top 10 this year, Dexter did claim its ninth straight Southeastern Conference White Division championship.
Chelsea tankers finished 32nd in the Division II state meet this past season. Individually, senior Jordan Skidmore placed 12th in the state in the 100 backstroke in 55.70. Senior Rick Kinsey was 15th in the 500 freestyle in 55.70, while senior Nick Armstrong was 20th in the 50 freestyle in 22.71 to lead the Bulldogs.
It was a banner season on the frozen pond for Dexter and Chelsea hockey this year, as well.
The Dreadnaughts set a school record for victories in a season, concluding the year with a 20-6-1 overall mark. Dexter captured the Southeastern Conference title with a perfect 7-0 record. The Dreads won a first-ever Division III state pre-regional crown defeating Chelsea 3-2 in overtime. Dexter ended its season losing to Dearborn Divine Child in the regional final. The Dreadnaughts had a school record six Division III All-State players, including first-team selections senior forwards Nick Field and Alex Johnston.
Chelsea had a strong year, too, playing one of the state's toughest schedules, yet still finishing the season 16-8-2 overall. The Bulldogs reached the Division III state pre-regional final before bowing out to Dexter in the overtime thriller. Chelsea seniors forward Schyler Williams, the Bulldogs' all-time leading scorer, and defenseman Travis Amburgey were both named first-team Division III All-State.
In bowling, Chelsea's Greg Van Orman reached the state individual finals before losing. The Bulldogs, once again, had a strong season as both the boys' and girls' teams were among the area's best.
In wrestling, Dexter junior Bret Marsh was crowned a state champion in the 112-pound weight class, defeating St. Johns sophomore Jake Walters 8-2 in the Division II final earlier this month at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Marsh, who was runner-up at 103 pounds last year, finished the season with a sterling 53-2 overall record.
Besides Marsh, other Dreadnaught grapplers reaching the state individual finals included freshman Ron Flowers (103 pounds), senior Michael Campbell (152) and junior Corey Chamberlain (heavyweight).
For Chelsea, freshman Dakota Cooley advanced to the Division II state meet finishing 1-2 at the finals in the 112-pound bracket. For the season, Cooley ended up 37-4.
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