Howland Monday, Nathan Richards and Brett Kusnierz combined to score 27 of Dexter’s 37 points, to lead the undefeated visiting Tigers over the Howlers 37-24.
Both teams showed intensity on the defensive end all night throughout this low scoring contest. Dexter jumped out to a 10-7 lead in the first behind Richards’ five points. Junior Zach Mitchell paced the Howlers with five points of his own. Points were even tougher to come by in the second quarter, with Mitchell and Alex Tash each scoring a basket for PVHS, while free throws by Haedyn Guenthier (2) and Robbie Dorman (1) were the only points for the Tigers, as Dexter held a 13-11 halftime lead.
Penobscot Valley took a brief lead late in the third quarter off a Reece Carter 3-pointer, but the Tigers were quickly able to answer on the other end. Dexter stretched their lead to 23-19 behind Kusnierz’ five points. The Tigers knocked down eight free throws in the fourth to secure the lead.
Besides Richards (14) and Kusnierz (13), Dexter also received scoring contributions by Guenthier (5), Cameron Paige (4), and Dorman (1). The Tigers outshot the Howlers from the free-throw line 27-13. They improve to 7-0 and face Mattanawcook Academy on Friday.
The Howlers were paced by Mitchell (7) and Carter (7), and also had points from Lance Neal (6) and Alex Tash (4). PVHS slips to 5-3 and will travel to East Millinocket to battle Schenck on Saturday.
