Young post is lifting Bearcat hoops of late

The Dexter High School varsity boy’s basketball team recently endured a four-game skid in five outings to open the calendar year. However, in their last five contests, the Bearcats have prevailed in three of those games, and a big reason – literally and figuratively – has been the ever-improving play of young center Elijah Ibrahim.

“He is starting to get some confidence here toward the end of the year,” veteran Bearcat coach Chad Allen said recently.

Dexter graduated Ethan Zebelin last spring, which left a massive hole in Allen’s offense. The 6-foot-3 Zabelin was very solid in his ability to score from either block, which enabled the Bearcat perimeter shooters to have some degree of freedom to shoot uncontested shots.

The 6-foot-4 Ibrahim moved in from Poplar Bluff over the summer, and that gave Allen an option in the post.

“We need (confidence) from him,” Allen said of Ibrahim. “Our sophomores haven’t played at the varsity level before. This is really starting to get where we want (Ibrahim), and hopefully, he’ll just have more confidence from here on out.”

In the recent Stoddard County Athletic Association Tournament, Ibrahim elevated his production to the next level.

The Bearcats dominated Class 1 No. 8 Richland (Essex) 66-42 to open that event, and Ibrahim had 18 points against the big, physical front line of the Rebels.

“Elijah did a great job,” Allen said following that win. “It was probably his best game of the year. We needed that from him, hopefully, we can get him going every game.”

Ibrahim, who is also an emerging tight end for the Class 3-power Bearcat football team, followed the Richland game up by scoring nine in a loss to eventual SCAA Tournament champion Puxico, and 10 against Bernie in the third-place game victory over Bernie.

“Elijah is a load in there,” Allen said following the beating of the Mules. “He’s only going to get better. He rebounds well and he is starting to finish around the rim better.”

Ibrahim will be tested in the paint at both ends on Tuesday when Dexter (10-11) visits Bell City (10-11) at 7:30 p.m.

The Cubs’ top threat in the paint is 6-foot-3 (and very strong) junior Kale Richardson, who is one of the stronger and more productive post players in Southeast Missouri.