Peytin Manor, story and photos:
On Monday, March 23rd, Lillian Cook, Edmonson County High School senior, signed a letter of intent to shoot archery for Midway University, located in Midway, Kentucky. 

Midway University Archery is ranked 19th in the United States for their program.

She is the daughter of Josh and Casey Cook. Lillian plans to double major in equine science and biology and minor in pre-veterinary medicine. 

Lillian, an Edmonson County native, has been shooting archery for the Wildcats for five years. 

ECHS Archery Head Coach Robert Bryant states, “One thing I can say about Lillian is she is a leader amongst her peers. On many occasions she would take it upon herself to lead and guide underclassmen in practice and help and encourage during the most competitive phases of our tournaments. She is someone I could count on if needed to run the range during practice and even stepped out of her comfort zone and filled in for an injured archer during one of our 3D tournaments.”

Lillian’s career average from eighth grade until her senior season is 244.57 out of a 300. Her single season average has progressively gotten better each year. She shot her highest average this season of 260.34 out of 300 and also scored her seasonal and career personal best this season of 280 out of 300.

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​In a touching tribute, Eli’s family threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Following the pitch, a banner was placed in center field–Eli’s position–to honor his legacy at Edmonson County High School.

The team then gathered with Eli’s family in center field for a moment of prayer, reflecting on his impact both on and off the field.

To further honor Eli’s memory, a $500 scholarship has been established in his name. Each year, it will be awarded to two seniors, ensuring that his legacy continues to make a difference in the lives of future Wildcats.

“Our team lost not only a great player but a brother," said Wildcat Head Coach Michael Meredith. "He was a leader for us statistically and emotionally.  When the accident happened and we had time to process it for a little bit, our guys started coming up with some ideas to honor him.  

Meredith said this wouldn't be a one-game thing for the Wildcats.

"We may not have a ceremony every game, but his banner will hang in center field the entire year.  His name and number are on our hats and helmets, and we will have a jersey #0, hanging in our dugout every home game.  One of our guys plans to hold his jersey during the national anthem.  Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat just isn’t a saying to us, it’s an extra special bond that we will forever share with Eli and his family.  The ceremony was to let his family and our community know that this young man will live in our hearts this year.  Eli is our “angel in the outfield” We have dedicated our season to him this year.  LLEM”

It was a night filled with both triumph and remembrance–one that will not be forgotten by the team, the family, or the community.

EC finished with a total of 10 hits. Drew Pierce (#14) led the offense, going 3 for 4 with 3 RBIs that included a home run.

Hunter Wilson went 2 for 3, Logan Key was also 2 for 3, as well as Jacob Logan.

The Wildcats are 1-0 on the season.

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Edmonson Voice Sports:
Carter Hodges, Glasgow High School senior and native of Edmonson County, signs a letter of intent to play baseball for Wabash Valley College in Mount Carmel, Illinois. 

The Warriors are currently ranked 18th in the nation in the D1 NJCAA. Hodges, originally from Chalybeate, is the son of Jonathan and Lori Hodges and plans to study Agri-Business. 

Carter grew up in Edmonson County, playing youth sports and two years of high school sports at ECHS before moving to Glasgow.​

Peytin Manor, story: Gabe DeArmond, photos, Darren Doyle, contributor:
The Lady Cats battled hard against the tough Owensboro Catholic Lady Aces on their home court at the Sportscenter in Owensboro in the 3rd Region Tournament Semi-finals on March 6th but fell 75-48.

The Lady Cats came out strong in the first quarter, setting the tone early against the Lady Aces with aggressive defense and steady scoring. Cariann Williams (#30) opened the game with a basket on the first drive for the Lady Cats and continued to make her presence known on both ends of the floor, blocking multiple shots, and creating several opportunities in the first.

Shelby Sowders (#50) added momentum with eight points in the first quarter; Addison Spainhoward (#23) chipped in a score of her own, helping Edmonson control the pace. Although Owensboro Catholic answered with a few key free throws, the Lady Cats’ defensive pressure and early execution allowed them to hold a 12-9 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter was fast-paced and physical with both teams fighting for every point. As the quarter progressed, the Lady Cats’ performance began to decline towards the end of the second, much in part to Williams receiving her controversial third foul call. OC took advantage of the situation, increasing their lead as they went on a 7-0 run after the score was tied at 19. At the end of the half, Edmonson trailed Owensboro Catholic 21 to 29.

Edmonson County continued delivering pressure into the third quarter but OC managed to fight through it and outscored them by another 8 points. At the end of the third, Owensboro Catholic led 52-36.

Even though the Lady Cats played with heart and grit, they could not overcome the insurmountable lead in the fourth quarter, due much in part to OC's relentless full court pressure. The Lady Aces with their overwhelming personnel and superior offense won the day. Edmonson County committed 21 turnovers.

"I thought we came out playing solid basketball, Head Coach Jody Booth told the Edmonson Voice. "Game plan was going great & had momentum. Obviously Cariann’s 3rd foul swung the momentum in their favor before going into halftime. With all the physicality that was let go prior to that foul, it shouldn’t have been called. It changed our plan and how aggressive we could be on defense. As the second half went on, I think we hurt ourselves more than anything. We would get a stop and turn it over. Or force them into a tough shot, but not close it with a solid rebound. And eventually we wore ourselves down."

Booth said he was extremely proud of the season they had, with only two returning players with varsity experience. He relied heavily on not only the leadership of Williams, Ani Powell, and Sowders, but also new, younger players from middle school. He said the team was chosen in the preseason ranked third in the district and had a record of only 6-5 at the New Year.

"We ended our season 21-9, 10th time in program history with 20+ wins. District Runner Up, and we have our thoughts on that game," Booth added. "We won a Region Tournament game and advanced to the Semi-Finals, which is only the 3rd win since 1994. This team this season accomplished so much, on and off the court. You won’t find better role models for our youth. A lot of excitement for girls basketball in our middle school and little league. Credit goes to my players for making it exciting to watch and be a part of."

Cariann Williams (#30) and Shelby Sowders (#50)–shot 100% from the free throw line on the night, adding 14 points to the board. As a team, they were 16-17 from the FT line.

Shelby Sowders (#50) led the Lady Cats with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Cariann Williams (#30) scored 16 points with 12 rebounds and 7 blocks. Addison Spainhoward (#23) scored 5 points including a 3-pointer and 2 rebounds. Haley Hill (#14) scored 3 points with 3 rebounds. Jocelyn Decker (#32) scored 5 points. 

Edmonson shot 14-50 from the field (28%), Catholic was 27-65 (42%). Edmonson was 4-15 from three-point range (27%) while OC shot 5-20 (25%). 

After the game, Cariann Williams (#30) was awarded the Ronnie Hardin Memorial Scholarship, given to multiple Region 3 players. She ends her high school career number 4 on the all-time girls scoring list with over 2000 points, more than 1500 rebounds, and over 500 blocked shots. She is second in the state in all-time blocked shots. She plans to further her basketball career next season with the Campbellsville Lady Tigers.

​The final minutes of overtime became a game of consistency as Edmonson County went to the foul line six times, making every foul shot. Cariann Williams (#30) made the final shot of the game with 19.7 seconds left to go.

The Lady Cats held the Lady Cougars scoreless in overtime.

Carrian Williams (#30) led the Lady Cats with 21 points and 8 rebounds. Shelby Sowders (#50) scored 10 points with 7 rebounds. Addison Spainhoward (#23) scored 10 points and 2 rebounds. Haley Sanders (#4) scored 7 points. Jocelyn Decker (#32) scored 5 points.

​Edmonson County improves to 21-8 on the season and will face Owensboro Catholic on Friday for the region semifinals.

​Defensively, Muse was just as dominant. He paced the team with four forced fumbles, 45 solo tackles, 49 assisted tackles, and 94 total tackles, showcasing his toughness and consistency throughout the season.
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ECHS Head Football Coach Justin Vessels stated, “Tristan is an all around very intelligent player. It was very reassuring having such an intelligent player on the field because it felt like having another coach on the field.”