Cole Nichols, Truman Krapf lead Dexter to road win over Notre Dame

A big night offensively from the senior duo of Cole Nichols and Truman Krapf propelled the Dexter Bearcats to an 82-65 win over the Notre Dame Bulldogs on Tuesday at Notre Dame Regional High School.

The Bearcats held a 19-18 lead after one but were able to create some separation in the second quarter to lead 40-28 entering the locker room at halftime.

“We were just cutting and moving,” Bearcats coach Chad Allen said. “That’s what helped us more than anything.”

Overall, Allen was pleased with what he saw from his team on the offensive end.

“I thought we definitely played really well offensively,” Allen said. “We were really active and we kept our heads up and found the open man. I just thought offensively we really set the tone.”

Part of the big night offensively was the aforementioned Nichols and Krapf, who combined for 59 points in the win. Nichols finished with 34 points and Krapf finished with 25.

“You never know who’s gonna step up,” Allen said. “When things are going well like that it makes it a lot easier.”

Nichols said he wishes he would have shot the ball better but knows he needs to relentlessly attack the rim.

“I have to attack the rim and find our shooters,” Nichols said. “Truman shot it really well tonight.”

Allen had high praise for Nichols’ ability to make the right play.

“He’s just a great overall player,” Allen said. “He always has his head up and finds the open man. He always stays aggressive offensively and that’s what we need out of him.”

Dexter kept the offense going in the second half, taking a 60-50 lead into the fourth quarter before winning 82-65.

Following Nichols' and Krapf’s big night was Brayden Pullum with 12 points, Chris Stone with 7 points and Peyton Boles with 4 points.

Notre Dame was led by Kolton Johnson who had 18 points in the loss. Greg Dennis had 15 points, Reece Callow had 9 points, Carson Essner had 8 points, Will Thurston had 7 points and Wil Morgan and Brett Dohogne had 4 points each.

Dexter’s win over Notre Dame snapped a 12-game losing streak to the Bulldogs and was the first time the Bearcats have won at Notre Dame since 2011.

Notre Dame (8-18) begins postseason play at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27 when the Bulldogs take on Perryville in the first round of the Class 4 District 1 playoffs at Dexter High School.

Dexter (18-8) will begin postseason play at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 1 when the Bearcats play the winner of #4 Kennett and #5 Fredericktown in the semifinals of the Class 4 District 1 Playoffs at Dexter High School.

“We want to win this district tournament,” Nichols said. “We haven’t won a district tournament for our school since 2004.”