Less than 48 hours after losing to Farmington Hills Mercy, the Dexter girls’ basketball team returned to the court with a little more bounce in their step, a little more understanding of the game plan and a much better shooting touch.
The Dreadnaughts are a very good, experienced and well-coached team, and good teams bounce back from tough losses and that’s exactly what Dexter did on Thursday night with a dominating 57-40 win over visiting Pinckney in an SEC opener for both schools.
One of Dexter’s goals is to win the SEC White and this was the first step – and a step in the right direction.
“I am very happy with how we bounced back from our loss against Mercy,” said Dexter Coach Lauren Thompson. “The girls played with max effort the entire game, and their enthusiasm during the game was top notch.
SEE WLD PHOTO GALLERY FROM MERCY GAME – 100 PHOTOS
“We will continue to fine-tune our defense and get in rhythm on offense. Overall, we are so proud of the positive attitudes and resilience of every player on our team.”
The Dreadnaughts led 10-9 after the first quarter and then scored 20 points in the second quarter to take a 30-22 halftime lead. The Dreads scored 16 in the third quarter to pull ahead 46-31 heading into the final period. They added 11 points in the fourth quarter.
Dexter spread the ball around on the offensive end as four players reached double figures. Alayna Babut and Sydney Pnacek each scored 13 points. Babut, a senior, scored all but one of her points in the second and third quarters. Pnacek, a junior, knocked down three triples.
Kayla Rivers also converted three triples in the win and finished with 11 points. Brianna Rodriguez scored in every quarter and finished with 10 points.
Kylee Niswonger scored five points and Maddi Valentine hit a three-pointer for the home team.
Senior Annabelle Sharp had 25 points to lead the Pirates, including 9-9 from the free-throw line. But she was the only Pinckney player to reach double figures.
Dexter will host Notre Dame Prep on Friday, Feb. 12.
