Blunt named all-state for second time

JEFFERSON CITY - The Missouri Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association released the All-State basketball teams for Classes 4-5 today.

Rachel Blunt became the first Dexter girls basketball player to ever become a two-time all-stater.

After making first team last year, Blunt was named to the first team again this season.

Blunt led the Lady Bearcats to a 24-5 record and their first ever district championship while averaging 19.6 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. She hit 84 percent of her free throws and had 3.5 assists on average.

Blunt has signed to play at Southeast Missouri State University next season.

"It was well-appreciated -- obviously she works very hard," said Dexter coach Gavin Miller. "She's the type of player that wants team success and team gratification. We were very pleased with the fact that she got first team all-

state. Two years in a row is very special."

Dexter reached the state quarterfinals where they were eliminated 51-48 by St. James, but the Lady Bearcats were shut out of the final state rankings despite being in the top 10 the entire season.

The snub did not sit well with Miller, but he preferred to look at the positives with Blunt's post-season recognition.

"It gives a lot of our younger girls in the program something to look forward to," said Miller. "Look at all the hours in the gym and the time dedicated to basketball. Now she's got her education paid for through basketball. When people can see the rewards of somebody's work ethic, it says a lot."

Blunt was the only player in Southeast Missouri to be named all-state in Class 4.

Notre Dame's surprise fourth place finish in the boys state tournament gave them a No. 10 ranking in the final Class 4 poll with a 14-18 record.

In Class 5, Tyler Hansbrough and younger brother Ben Hansbrough were named first team all-state after leading Poplar Bluff to its second straight state championship with a 27-4 record.

Mules coach John David Pattillo was named Class 5 coach of the year. Jackson guard Jack Puisis was named second team all-state.

Poplar Bluff's Tierra Johnson was named a second team all-stater on the girls side.

The Lady Mules also finished ranked 9th in the final poll with a 22-7 record.