Girls Basketball: Pioneer falls to Dexter in close SEC opener

Two of the better teams in the SEC took center court on Friday and both teams proved they have the talent to make a run at a league title – and beyond. Dexter led for most of the game but Pioneer never folded in a 46-41 win for the visiting Dreadnaughts.

Dexter led 13-9 after the first period and took an 18-15 lead into halftime. The Dreadnaughts outscored the Pioneers 15-9 in the third quarter to take a 33-24 lead into the final quarter.

Dexter’s offense showed great balance with four players scoring eight or more points. Brianna Rodriguez led the way with 17 points. The senior guard hit two triples in the first quarter and made all six of her free-throw attempts in the fourth quarter for Dexter.

Senior guard Maddi Valentine had 10 points, junior guard Chloe Perry scored seven of her nine points in the second half and senior Sydney Pnacek scored in each quarter and finished with eight points.

Brein Bogan had two triples on the night and finished with 10 points to lead the Pioneers. Lauren Dewolf and Brewer each scored nine for the Pioneers. Kayla Covington had six points and K’Dia Harris scored five for the home team.