The Dexter boys’ basketball team returned to the win column last week and the Dreadnaughts continue to build confidence heading into the heavy – and most challenging – part of their 2023-24 schedule.
Dexter bounced visiting Toledo Woodward 60-46 on Friday night in a non-league matchup that should help prepare them for the tough upcoming SEC Red schedule.
After falling behind 10-8 in the first quarter, Dexter outscored Woodward 14-6 in the second quarter to take a 22-16 halftime lead. The Dreadnaughts went on a 20-13 run to extend the lead to 42-29 after three quarters. Dexter outscored Woodward 18-16 in the final quarter.
“We played a great first half defensively, but missed some easy ones,” said Dexter Coach Jason Rushton. “Our focus at halftime was to come out and start converting their turnovers into points. Credit to Woodward, because they battled (they play a tough schedule) and wouldn’t go away.”
Dexter had nine players score and five score five or more points in the win.
“We were happy to see everyone get involved and start settling in and playing the way we love to see,” said Rushton.
Junior Scott Smith led the Dreadnaughts with 16 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Sophomore Jack DeMerell had another big night with 14 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds.
“Ben Murphy (5 points) did a great job again for us defensively, and his ability to run the floor in transition gave us a lot of early opportunities,” Rushton said. “Andrew Boydston (4 points) was a big spark for us in the second half by running the floor and being aggressive on both ends.”
Marcus Keeler had six points, Jack Richards had five points and Garrett Sharp scored four for Dexter.
Dexter started 2024 with a tough 61-54 loss to Jackson on Jan. 4. After a 16-16 deadlock in the first quarter, the Dreads led 22-20 at halftime. But Jackson went on a 23-9 run in the third quarter before Dexter answered with a 23-18 run in the final quarter – but it wasn’t enough.
“It wasn’t the way we wanted to start our new year off, but we did see some stretches throughout this game that show this young group is getting close to turning things around,” Rushton said. “We battled, but dug ourselves too big of a hole in the third quarter.”
DeMerell led Dexter with 16 points, 4 assists and 3 steals. Meeker added 10 points.
Dexter plays at Saline on Tuesday and plays host to Skyline on Friday.
