The Dexter girls’ basketball team officially and emphatically declared, not only on paper but on the court, that they are a contender in the SEC Red Division this season with an impressive win against previously undefeated Saline on a rainy Tuesday night.
“This was a big game for the SEC Red in general,” said Dexter Coach Lauren Thompson. “Saline was undefeated and it was only our second league game of the season. I am so proud of the work ethic of this team. Every member of our team gives 100 percent at every practice and truly embodies what ‘team’ means.”
Saline hit some big shots toward the end of the game to put them within striking distance. But the ‘team’ stood strong at the end to shoot this game into the win column.
“Our girls kept level heads the entire game, and we were able to move past mistakes and continue to grind,” Thompson said. “We are so proud of their belief in one another and the commitment to our team goals.”
It was a rollercoaster game with both teams going on runs, but it was Dexter that set the tone early, forcing the Hornets to play catch up for the rest of the night. The Dreadnaughts started with a dominant 19-7 run in the opening quarter. But Saline answered with a 17-7 run in the second quarter to go into halftime down just two points at 26-24.
Neither team thought this would be easy.
The Dreads returned the favor with a 12-5 run in the third quarter to take a 38-29 lead into the final quarter. The Hornets rallied in the fourth quarter but came up just short as Dexter locked down the win to improve to 2-0 in the league.
Dexter’s Alena Blumberg had another big night. The junior had 19 points including 10 in the first quarter and five in the fourth quarter.
Kendall Cabana knocked down two three-pointers and finished with 10 points, Heidi Fuchs scored nine points including a triple in the third quarter, and Alyssa Gullekson helped Dexter get off to a strong start with five first-quarter points. Addison Chase had two points in the win.
The Dreadnaughts play at Skyline on Friday.
