Edmonson Voice Sports:
Several players contributed to the Lady Cats' win over Logan County last night as four players put up double figures, in addition to one with another double-double.

Edmonson County won 62-41 over the Lady Cougars as Lauren Ballance and Katie Lindsey led the way offensively with 17 points each. Emma Rose Vincent added 13 points, and Madison Harrison added 11 points and grabbed a game-high 16 rebounds. 

Edmonson County shot 42.6% from the field, 40% from three point range, but only 57% from the free throw line.

Macie McCombs added 3 points and Paige Wolfe added 1 point for Edmonson County. 

The Lady Cats are now 8-7 on the season, have won two in a row, and their last 4 of 6. They are scheduled to take on Trinity at home on Friday night at the 2020 Basketball Homecoming with tip off scheduled for 5:30pm. Homecoming ceremonies will take place immediately after the girls game, with the boys game following.

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Darren Doyle, story: Alyssa Doyle, photos:
It was another team effort that led to better shot selections and high percentage shots for the Wildcats as they overcame a first quarter deficit from the visiting Hart County Raiders. 

Hart was on fire in the first quarter as they connected on six-3 pointers, four of which came from senior guard Travis Shuffett, who averages only 5.7 points per game. The Raiders looked like they were going to run the Cats out of their own gym, with double-digit leads in the first few minutes. Hart led 23-14 after the first.

Edmonson County turned up their defensive pressure and forced 8 Raider turnovers in the second quarter. Points in transition helped the Wildcats outscore the Raiders 25-19 in the quarter and they trailed at halftime 42-39.

The third quarter was sloppy for Edmonson County as they got out of their offensive rhythm and forced shots at times. Hart County was able to extend their lead to 60-55 after three quarters, thanks to a 10-0 run from Hart. Edmonson County regrouped and started doing the same things that brought them success in the second- defensive pressure that forced more Hart County turnovers (22 for the game), better shot selection which led to easier points from Dalton Decker (25pts) and Eli Booker (18pts), and staying close in the rebounding battle, (Hart: 27 EC: 25). 

Key free throws down the stretch from Booker, Decker, Daniel Woosley, and Mason Pierce also helped secure the win. Two crucial trips to the line resulted in misses, but offensive rebounds by Edmonson County that allowed them to keep their possessions alive. Hart County hit a three-pointer at the buzzer but it wasn't enough as the Wildcats won their second game in a row for a final score of 78-76.

"I was really proud of the kids tonight," said Coach Mac. "We got down early but battled back, cut it to 3 at the half, and we just kept working and working and pulled this one out. I mean, we made it interesting, but they like making it tough on me," he said with a laugh.

Mac said the team did what it needed to do at the right times; getting stops late, grabbing rebounds, and making shots when the game was on the line, despite times when Edmonson County strayed from the game plan.

"We consider even rushing shots not taking care of the ball," he added. "We forced some shots we didn't need to be taking, there were times we should've been running through our offense--all the way through it to ball reversal, and we'd rush it. I thought we did better in the fourth quarter with it when we had to, and some guys hit some big free throws."

Mac also credited the bench for quality minutes from Luke Meredith, Trent Taylor, Gavin Rose, Jon Smith, and Isaiah Johnson.

Edmonson County is now 5-10 on the season and will face Trinity in a rematch at home on Friday night for the 2020 Basketball Homecoming. Girls action is scheduled for a 5:30pm tip.

Darren Doyle, story: Alyssa Doyle, photos:
A total team effort was left on the court last night in Whitesville from the Wildcats as they played well as a unit in their first district win of the season, defeating the Trinity Raiders 64-59. Despite 57% shooting from the free throw line, the Wildcats nailed four crucial foul shots in the final minute to hold off a big Trinity run and ice the game for the road win.

Edmonson County lost the rebounding battle (25-17) and committed 16 turnovers, but nine different Wildcats put up points in the district battle. It seemed when Edmonson needed a shot, they made it. When they needed a stop, they got it. These are things that haven't happened often in a frustrating season for Coach Mike McClintic and his Wildcats. A few plays went their way at crucial times, the boys had a much better overall shot selection, and when the game was on the line, both Mason Pierce and Nick Clemmons nailed their free throws down the stretch that extinguished any hopes of a Raider comeback. 

Edmonson County got off to a good start and led 15-10 after the first quarter and an encore second quarter gave them a 35-23 lead at the half. Chaz Wilson aggravated his ankle just as the half came to a close but seemed to walk it off during the break; however, a play early in the third caused some real pain for him and he was taken out of the game. Wilson missed the first part of the season as a result of a serious injury he obtained in a summer baseball game. The coaching staff said Wilson is having the ankle seen by a physician asap.

Trinity started inching their way back during the fourth as they began making 3s, getting to the foul line and crashing the boards. Leading only by two points, Edmonson County's Eli Booker scored on a layup to give them a 60-56 lead with 1:05 remaining in the game. 

Trinity's Kevin Foster hit a three-pointer with 50.1 seconds remaining that cut the Wildcat lead to 60-59; however, the shot would be the Raiders' final points as Edmonson County drew fouls on their end and made the crucial free throws to hang on for the win. 

"I'm so proud of them boys...they ran our game plan perfect. There was a few times where we got in a little bit of a hurry and had a couple of defensive breakdowns, but they had the guts and the heart in them, a lot of pride and a lot of energy," said Coach Mac.

"We had a good week of practice, going at it pretty hard, so it carried over into tonight and Darren, I've told you 60,000 times, that's why I love these kids."

Dalton Decker finished with 17 points, Nick Clemmons had 11, Daniel Woosley had 9, Mason Pierce and Chaz Wilson had 7 each, Jon Smith had 6, Eli Booker had 3, and both Trent Taylor and Gavin Rose had 2 each. 

Edmonson County is now 4-10 on the year and 1-2 in District 12 play. The Wildcats are scheduled to take on Hart County on Monday at home beginning at 7:15pm.  

Darren Doyle, story: Alyssa Doyle, photos:
Improved defense and rebounding the second half was key for the Lady Cats as they notched another district win on the road last night in Whitesville. 

Edmonson County wanted to push the ball against the Lady Raiders last night but some early turnovers and transition points from Trinity altered that plan in the first. At times the Lady Cats couldn't buy a bucket with a coupon code in the first half, shooting only 23% from the field and missing all 6 of their 3-point attempts. Their free throw shooting was also bad (55%) in the first half, but their defense and rebounding kept them in the game, despite an 8-2 run from the Lady Raiders to end the second quarter as EC trailed 23-22 at the half.

But it was the defense and rebounding that got turned up a couple clicks in the third quarter as they began to force turnovers and convert on the offensive end. A shot began to fall here, a three-pointer there, and it seemed Edmonson was getting to all the loose balls. The Lady Cats outscored Trinity 15-5 in the third quarter to take a 37-28 lead that they'd never lose again. The Lady Cats won 59-45.

Edmonson County had four starters in double figures and nearly two of them with double-doubles. Emma Rose Vincent led in scoring with 16 points while grabbing 7 points, (also 4 assists), Lauren Ballance added 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists, and Katie Lindsey added 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists.

​Madison Harrison put up very impressive numbers in her complete game with 10 points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocked shots, and 4 assists. 

"Being down one point at the half and shooting 23%, and making 7 turnovers in the first half, that didn't make me feel too good," said Head Coach Bart Weaver. He then discussed the second half.

"We got quite a few transition points in the second half and I thought that was key. We had 14 turnovers, which is two more than I wanted, but it's a road win in the district."

"There's not a game that goes by, any team that I'm coaching, that the first few minutes of the third quarter is the biggest part of the game. That made me proud right there, that they took care of something that I tell them almost everyday."

Macie McCombs finished with 3 points and 3 rebounds. Edmonson County wound up shooting 34% from the field, 18% from three point, and 68% from the line. While the shooting percentage won no awards last night, they swiped 36 rebounds as a team, compared to only 16 by Trinity. They also forced 21 turnovers against the Lady Raiders.

Edmonson County is now 7-7 on the season and 2-1 in District 12 play. They are scheduled to take on Logan County on Monday on the road with a tip time of 7:30pm.

Edmonson Voice Sports:
Edmonson County's only regional championship baseball teams will be recognized on Friday, February 7, 2020, as ECHS takes on Grayson Co. High School in a boy/girl doubleheader. 

The 1982 Regional Champion Wildcats rode an explosive 1982 team to the school’s first ever state tournament appearance after winning the 12th District and Region 4 crowns with first year head coach Mike Houchin and Assistant Coach Ricky Houchin.  The team lost to Henderson County in first round action and wrapped up the season with a 17-4 record. 

The 1983 team pulled off an encore performance the following year during a 14-5 campaign that eventually ended with a loss to the Owensboro Red Devils in the first round of the sweet sixteen by one run, 7-6.  OHS won the state championship three games later.

ECHS fans are encouraged to attend and help welcome back these former Wildcats. Team members are sending a special invitation to the Classes of 1982 and 1983 to come out and join a team reunion while cheering on the Wildcats against the Cougars.

1982 and 1983 ECHS Baseball Team Members
1982 Team Members:  Mike Buttram, Glendale Meredith, Lynn Meredith, Sonny Prunty, Kevin Raymer, Barry Vincent, Todd Webb.

1983 Team Members:  David Alexander, Brad Houchin, Keith Ohmer, Bryan Thompson, Jimmy Wilson, Mark Woosley.

1982 AND 1983 Team Members:  Robbie Alexander, Tim Basil, Craig Browning, Dion Houchins, Scott Key, Greg Meredith, Shane Meredith, Eugene Spradlin, Kevin Ray, Chris Raymer, Roland Simmons, Jason VanMeter, Allen Vincent.  Assistant Coach – Ricky Houchin.  Head Coach – Mike Houchin.
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Plans are in motion to hold a reception for former team members/coaches and a guest prior to the ceremony.  In order to adequately prepare for the reception, team members/coaches that will be able to attend are requested to RSVP by contacting Craig Browning (craig.browning@usbank.com) or Dion Houchins (dhouchins@yahoo.com).            ​