The Dexter boys’ basketball team has been preparing for this moment all season. The moment came with less than 1 minute to play in the Dreadnaughts’ District opener – and they were ready at both ends of the floor, and it’s why they are heading to practice Wednesday afternoon instead of clearing out their lockers.
Dexter had led for most of the game but talented Brighton wasn’t about to go home without a fight. The fighting Bulldogs fought their way all the way back to tie the game as the scoreboard clicked from minutes to seconds remaining. This was the moment that separates winners from losers and Dexter took the high road.
First, there was a stop on the defensive end. Then, there was a great hustle play by Ty Rychener, as the junior dove on the floor to secure possession for the home team. Dexter called timeout with 22 seconds left with the ball and their fate in their hands.
“We subbed Brennan Parachek in the game, gained our composure in the huddle and executed some great basketball on the final play,” said Dexter Coach Jason Rushton. “We went ball screen with Cal Bavineau and Colin Parachek on the wing. Two players went with Colin and one stayed with Cal. Brennan was able to replace the roll and Cal found him for the final shot.”
Brennan Parachek, who hasn’t played much this season because of an injury, delivered the game-winning triple to help lead the Dreadnaughts to a 52-49 win over the Bulldogs in a District 17 first-round game at Dexter.
“That shot is not possible if hadn’t been for Ty Rychener diving on that loose ball,” said Rushton. “We’re thankful to be able to be in the gym (Wednesday) and get back to work. It’s March!”
Dexter marches on to the semifinals where they face familiar foe Pinckney at 7 p.m. on Thursday. The Pirates defeated the Dreadnaughts twice during the regular season, including a 52-33 win earlier in the month at Dexter.
Skyline defeated South Lyon 63-44 on Tuesday in the first quarterfinal game at Dexter. The Eagles face South Lyon East in the other semifinal game at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday.
The finals are at 7 p.m. on Saturday. All games are at Dexter HS.
Colin Parachek scored eight of his 12 points in the first quarter and Bavineau also had 12 points to lead the Dreadnaughts.
But Dexter had a strong balanced attack. Rychener, who also had a big triple in the fourth quarter, and Evan Haroldson each scored seven. Aidan Dexter had five points, Sam Sterlitz scored four, Brennan Parachek scored three points and Cole Arnedt had two points.
Dexter led 16-12 after the first quarter and 36-20 at halftime.
“Both teams came out strong, then we seemed to settle in and led by 16 at the half,” Rushton said. “All the credit goes to Brighton as they really stepped up defensively in the second half.”
Brighton outscored Dexter 12-4 in the third quarter to get back into the game. They also outscored the Dreadnaughts 17-12 in the final quarter but it wasn’t enough.
