Jackson boys basketball team romps past Dexter in SEMO Conference tourney consolation game

~ The Indians pulled away from the Bearcats during the third quarter

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Jackson didn't have to wait long to try to bounce back from Monday night's lopsided loss.

The Indians were back on the court Tuesday night in the consolation bracket of the SEMO Conference boys basketball tournament.

This time things went much better for the fifth-seeded Indians, who routed eighth-seeded Dexter 70-50 at the Sikeston Field House.

Jackson advances to Friday's 5:30 p.m. consolation final, where it will play either sixth-seeded Poplar Bluff or seventh-seeded New Madrid County Central. Those squads meet Thursday.

Jackson's Karson King passes up the court over multiple Dexter defenders during the first quarter of a SEMO Conference tournament game Tuesday in Sikeston, Mo. (Kristin Eberts)

"We have a lot of young kids. We were a little shaky coming into the tournament," Jackson senior center John Meyer said. "It was good to bounce back. We needed a good win."

Jackson coach Darrin Scott admitted to being a bit apprehensive following the 67-40 first-round loss to Notre Dame.

"I'll be honest, I was nervous," he said. "Any time you get thumped by a rival ... I was really happy we came out ready to play."

The Indians (2-1) started fast and were in control most of the way against Dexter (0-4).

Jackson scored the first four points and built a quick 14-4 lead. It was 19-10 after one quarter, and the Indians went ahead 31-16 midway through the second period.

Jackson's Calvin Lysell, left, Josh Meyer, right, and Dexter's Jake Lee fight for a rebound during the second quarter of a SEMO Conference Tournament game on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2011. Jackson won 70-50. (Kristin Eberts)

Dexter battled back, ending the half on a 12-2 run to make it 33-28 at the break.

"The big thing I was disappointed in, the last minute of the half, we've been so bad taking care of the basketball," Scott said.

Dexter was within 40-36 midway through the third quarter when the Indians delivered the knockout blow.

Jackson ended the period on a 15-2 burst, getting eight points from sophomore forward Karson King.

"We just started knocking down shots," Meyer said.

Senior guard Caleb Newcomer's 3-pointer with 3 seconds left sent the Indians to the final period up 55-38.

"What I was happy with, in the third quarter, when it got to a minute to go, we took care of the basketball and Caleb hit a big 3," Scott said.

The Indians built a 70-41 advantage before coasting to the 20-point victory.

"When we get a little confidence, we play well," said Scott, whose squad returned just two players with varsity experience and extensively uses four sophomores.

The 6-foot-5 King, one of those sophomores, led the Indians with 19 points. He hit two 3-pointers.

"He's got good length and he can make the midrange jumper," Scott said.

Luke Stevens, a 6-4 junior forward, scored 15 points. The 6-9 Meyer added 11 points.

"I feel like our young guys were a lot stronger with the ball tonight," said Newcomer, a returning starter along with Meyer. "I think we'll keep getting better."

Dexter 10 18 10 12 -- 50

Jackson 19 14 22 15 -- 70

DEXTER (50) -- Chase Young 6, Jordan Fitts 12, D.J. Dowdy 5, Brad Potts 4, Jake Lee 8, Cody Neldon 2, Tyler Miller 13. FG 20, FT 6-16, F 9. (3-pointers: Young 1, Fitts 1, Dowdy 1, Miller 1. Fouled out: none)

JACKSON (70) -- Josh Daume 5, Caleb Newcomer 9, Braxton McDowell 3, Ryan O'Rear 2, Skyler Steele 2, Calvin Lysell 2, Karson King 19, John Meyer 11, Josiah McGuire 2, Luke Stevens 15. FG 31, FT 4-9, F 14. (3-pointers: Newcomer 1, McDowell 1, King 2. Fouled out: none)