Lauren Thompson is in her first year as head coach of the Dexter girls’ basketball team but there was no need for introductions. Thompson has been on the Dexter bench as an assistant coach of the highly successful program for the last 11 years.
The Dreadnaughts are off to a strong start which included Tuesday night’s dominant 66-28 win over visiting Salem. The Dreads took control right away as they jumped out to an 11-6 lead and took a 27-12 lead into halftime.
Dexter led 40-25 after three quarters.
Dexter’s balanced scoring featured five players scoring eight or more points. Sophomore Sydney Pnacek and junior Alayna Babut led the way with 11 points apiece. Sophomore Brianna Rodriguez scored nine points and senior Kyleigh Valentine and sophomore Maddi Valentine each scored eight in the win.
Senior Kylie Cabana had six points and junior Olivia Mellifont had four points.
The Dreads have a strong mix of experience and youth heading into the new season.
“We lost one senior last year, and therefore have everyone back,” Thompson said. “All the players have the drive and ability to contribute to the success of this team.”
Thompson said their team strengths include not only talent but a strong work ethic.
“Our team is incredibly energetic, motivated, and willing to put the work in in order to achieve the goals they have set for themselves,” she said. “We are fast and run the floor well and have a team of veteran varsity players.
“We will continue to work on combining our talents to play as a whole unit, and will work on honing our defensive skills collectively.”
It should be a good season for the Dexter girls’ basketball team in 2020.
“We expect to compete at a high level and are very excited for a chance to make a run at the conference title,” Thompson said.
