Dexter Senior Girls Wrap Up Successful Season

In fitting fashion, it was Dexter’s five senior basketball players who sparked the Dreadnaughts' girls squad to a 41-30 win Friday over visiting Adrian. With the victory over the Maples, Dexter captured a Southeastern Conference White Division championship.

Playing their last game at home and earning a league title on the same night was special for Dreadnaught seniors Sarah Moir, Nyki Caldwell, Zaryn Jennings, Kasey Swoverland and Serena Bidwell.

“It’s so great to finally get a league championship,” Bidwell said.

While winning a conference championship was enjoyable, Bidwell said she felt a tinge of sadness that this was her last home game with her fellow seniors.

“I’m going to miss playing with my teammates so much,” she said. “I love this program.”

Jennings, who led Dexter with 10 points against the Maples, said winning a league crown was icing on the cake for her career.

“Getting an SEC title after three years of being so close is great,” she said. “But I’m going to miss being with my teammates all of the time. We have so much fun together.”

Moir, who scored the Dreadnaughts’ final points of the game on two free throws, said she would never forget being a Dexter basketball player.

“All the lifelong friendships I’ve made and winning the league title are moments I’ll always remember,” she said. “I’ll never forget all of the bus rides, singing on the bus and being crazy.”

Swoverland, who started at point guard for the Dreadnaughts, said basketball is a big part of her life.

“Especially for me, since my dad is the (Dexter) boys basketball coach,” she said. “It’s sort of like a family affair for me.”

Swoverland said she’ll miss playing for Dexter girls basketball head coach Mike Bavineau.

“He’s like an uncle to all of us,” she said. “I loved playing for him.”

Coach Randy Swoverland, whose Dreadnaught boys squad played Friday night at Adrian, managed to watch his daughter in her first quarter before he hurried over to the boys game. 

Caldwell said playing one last time together with the other seniors is something she’ll always remember.

“Finally being reunited as seniors on the basketball team is a memorable moment for me,” she said. “And winning a league title was great, too.”

Bavineau said he was proud of what his seniors accomplished during their years in Dexter’s basketball program.

“The greatest thing I can say about them is that they’re all terrific people,” he said. “They are great academically and in the community.”

Bidwell summed up the seniors’ feelings as they begin their quest for a state title in Wednesday’s Class A district tournament.

“(Friday) was a good ending for our regular season,” she said. “But we’re not done yet.”