Alexander Says Edmonson, Grayson Boys' Basketball Will Not Play Each Other Next Season

Darren Doyle, story:
One of the most heated high school basketball rivalries in the area will not face each other in the 26-27 school year, according to Edmonson County Superintendent Brian Alexander.

Supt. Alexander provided a copy of an emailed letter to the Edmonson Voice that he sent to both Doug Robinson, Superintendent of Grayson County Schools, and Julian Tackett, Commissioner of the KHSAA.

Two key players from last year's Edmonson team have transferred to play at Grayson County for the next school year.

In the letter, Mr. Alexander states, "In the past several years there have been multiple ejections in our games, which has been one of the hottest rivalries in Kentucky's boy's basketball. However, these recent transfers have taken this to another level, and I will not put my school and my school district in a position where something could happen at a basketball game that will cause Edmonson County to be in a negative light."

Alexander added the only way they would face each other would be a pairing in the 12th District Tournament. Alexander also noted that it was "100% my decision."
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There have been multiple incidents over the past few years during games between the two schools, including a Grayson County fan being ejected for aggressively approaching Edmonson County Principal Jonathan Williams during a game. The fan was escorted out of the building by law enforcement. 

This past season, a Grayson County player threw a punch at an Edmonson County student when he dove after a ball into the Wildcat student section at ECHS. Cougar fans said the player claimed students grabbed his jersey in the crowd but ECHS students say they were trying to pull him up. The player and an ECHS student were ejected in the incident.

Players from both teams have received multiple technical fouls and ejections over the past several years during their matchups. Fans from both sides have also been ejected during their contests.

"There are some things more important than rivalries, wins, losses, and gate proceeds," Alexander told the Edmonson Voice. "This is one of those times."

When asked if the move is an attempt to dial down the rhetoric between the two teams, Alexander's reply was "It's definitely a move in order not to amplify it in any way."