Dexter holds off Hawks despite 36 from Essner

Dexter had a few problems early Wednesday night but came together in the end to defeat the Kelly 64-54.

The Bearcats' win not only solidified their No. 8 state-ranking among Class 4 schools but also dealt Kelly (14-2), the No. 7 team in Class 3, its second loss of the year.

"I was proud of the way my girls came and played tonight and bounced back from our loss to Jackson," Dexter coach Gavin Miller said. "We really need games that are competitive.

"We were up by 15 in the third, and I told my girls that this Kelly team wasn't going to give up and they would fight."

After Dexter took the 43-28 lead, Kelly responded.

The Hawks cut the lead to eight (56-48) with 3:31 to play and came as close as six with 1:33 remaining.

Kelly senior guard Kelly Essner rang up for 36 points, including 11 of 12 from the free-throw line.

"That's just the kind of player she is," Kelly head coach Rod McQuerter said. "The way she played tonight is the way she plays in practice. She really put out a good effort tonight."

Added Miller: "Essner is a good all-around player. She's one of those girls that does everything well. She can drive to the hole, shoot from the outside. She's the best guard I've seen all year long."

But Kelly couldn't muster enough offense, while Dexter's Rachel Blunt, Taylor Nelson and Haylee Finch all finishing the game in double digits. Blunt scored 20, Nelson 19 and Finch 11.

The absence of Mindy Robert due to injury hurt the Hawks' inside game. "It's nothing major," McQuerter said, "not too serious."