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Sports

Dexter Varsity Girls Use Size, Pressure Defense to Beat Pinckney

The Dreadnaughts posted a 61-33 score against Pinckney on Tuesday.

Dexter’s varsity girls’ basketball team defeated visiting Pinckney 61-33 Tuesday. The Dreadnaughts (4-0) used defensive pressure and a strong inside game to beat the Pirates (0-3).  

“We knew Dexter was a good team,” Pinckney coach Jim Anttila said. “They have a big inside presence. We weren’t able to handle their pressure. We got away from running our system. We didn’t execute our break. We were trying to play too fast.” 

The first quarter was a defensive stalemate as both clubs had trouble setting up offensively. At the end of the first frame, Dexter held a slim 7-3 lead. In the second quarter, both squads netted nine points. At the halftime break, the Dreadnaughts led 16-12. 

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Antilla said he was pleased with his team’s effort in the first half. 

“That was the best 16 minutes we’ve had all year,” he said. “Our first half effort was tremendous. We played really hard. We were able to run our traps and they were effective. We found success with our press and half court trap.” 

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Dexter Coach Mike Bavineau said his squad was almost playing too hard in the first half. 

“We were hurrying things,” Bavineau said. “We were able to play better in the second half.”

In the third quarter, Dexter broke open the contest going on a 19-0 run, taking a commanding 42-15 advantage with 3:11 remaining in the quarter. It wasn’t until Pirate freshman Morgan Belford drained a free throw with 3:08 left in the third that Pinckney scored its first point of the second half. From that moment on the Pirates played the Dreadnaughts even, scoring four points, while limiting Dexter to five points. Heading into the fourth quarter, the Dreadnaughts led 47-20, outscoring Pinckney 24-5.

In the fourth quarter, Dexter outscored the Pirates 14-13 for the night’s final margin. 

Despite the victory, Bavineau said his team couldn’t get complacent. 

“We need to keep working hard,” he said. “Defense is our M.O. and we need to play well defensively to be successful. Our defense is leading to transition baskets; that allows our offense to be better.” 

Individually for Pinckney, Belford led the attack with eight points, including 6-of-10 from the free throw line. Sophomore Simone Smith added seven points, while senior Lexi Salisbury had four points and juniors Vic Roberts and Kathryn Lundy each chipped in three points for the Pirates. Junior Ashley Weiland, sophomore Jenn Steinaway and freshman Shannon Dingman each finished with two points, while junior Whitney Thiry had one point for Pinckney. 

Despite the loss, Antilla remained positive. 

“We will improve,” he said. “Tonight was a good learning experience.” 

Leading the Dreadnaughts was 6-foot junior center Emma Kill with 15 points, while senior post player Olivia Cares added 11 points. 

Dexter’s strength was a major factor in the game. 

“The size of Emma and Olivia played a part in the win,” Bavineau said. “They’ve been able to develop over the years. What’s important is that we’re finishing around the basket. We’re attacking the basket.” 

Juniors Riley McDonald and Olivia Vollmers each had six points, while senior Polly Washabaugh had five points. Senior Sirah Camara and juniors Lindsey Lloyd, Kathryn Pisano and Teia McGahey each had four points, while junior Makenzie Svihra had two points for the Dreadnaughts. 

Dexter next hosts Monroe at 7 p.m. Friday.

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