Darren Doyle, story: Joseph Barkoff, photos:
The Edmonson County Lady Cats started the season off right with a 49-39 win over Warren East in Bowling Green in their season opener on Monday, November 29th.

After trailing all of the first half, Edmonson County was able to gain the lead in a huge third quarter as better defense held the Lady Raiders to only two points.

The Lady Cats had some good looks at early open shots that didn't fall as four 3-pointers from Warren East's Natalie Harrell allowed the Lady Raiders to take a 27-22 lead at the half.

Edmonson County went to a box-and-one defense mixed with a triangle-and-two at times that threw the Lady Raiders out of their offense. Turnovers by Warren East were costly as the Lady Cats capitalized in transition, outscoring WE 16-2 in the quarter.

Coach Bart Weaver discussed the third quarter changes and the effort put forth by his team.

"Listen, the kids did a good job," he said. "They listened. You know, after a really bad scrimmage, we had three really good practices and we all focused on taking care of the basketball every possession. I know we still had 18 turnovers but listen, that's an improvement. I just thought that we really bought in defensively, and that's what won this ballgame. We held them to 39 points. I think defense, and we out-rebounded them pretty good, so defense and rebounding has always been my motto."

Junior forward Lily Jayne Vincent led the Lady Cats in scoring with 11 points while grabbing 5 rebounds. Junior guard Callie Webb added 9 points, senior guard Paige Wolfe had 7 points and 6 rebounds, and senior forward Hallie Cassady had 7 points while pulling 7 rebounds.

Also scoring for Edmonson County was Cariann Williams (6), Jaedlyn Simon (4), Emma White (3) 7rbs, and Maham Shahbaz (2).

Edmonson County shot 43% from the field (17/43), 33% from behind the 3pt line, and 42% (9/19) from the free throw line.

They are now 1-0 on the season and are scheduled to take on Muhlenburg County in the Lady Mustang Classic this Saturday at 7PM.

Edmonson County's boys will open their season tonight at home against Nelson County in a JV/V match beginning at 6PM. The game will be streamed live on the Edmonson Voice.

Edmonson Voice Sports:
Edmonson County High School boys and girls basketball is scheduled to begin each season next week with the girls going on the road on Monday, November 29th and the boys getting things started on Tuesday, November 30th at home against Nelson County.

The Wildcats lost seven seniors from last season's squad, which also means they'll have to find new ways to replace those seniors' 48.9ppg and over 20 rebounds per game.

Coach Brad Johnson will lead the Wildcats this season. Johnson steps in for the departing Mike McClintic, who retired after last season and 43 years of coaching. Johnson is certainly no rookie to coaching. His 30-year career in coaching and teaching boasts many accolades, including over 300 wins, a 2015 NABC Court of Honor Inductee, 3-time 3rd Region Coach of the Year, 3-time Regional Champion, and a 2-time KHSAA Elite 8.

Johnson's first head coaching job was with the Wildcats from 1999-2002, when he replaced Coach Ricky Houchin.

The Wildcats finished the shortened 2020-21 season with a record of 6-13.

They will host visiting Nelson County at ECHS on Tuesday in a JV/V match, beginning at 5:30pm.

Below is the current Wildcat roster for this year, which features 6 seniors and 9 juniors:

• Will Alexander, G, So.
• Caden Mills, F, Jr.
• Tyler Anderson, G, Jr.
• Noah Parsley, PF,  Sr.
• Layne Ashley, G, So.
• Jarrett Prunty, G, Sr.
• Zander Bass, F, Jr.
• Cole Saling, F, Sr.
• Boden Bates, G, Jr.
• Evan Stice, G, Sr.
• Cam Campbell, PF, Jr.
• Trace Taylor, G, Sr.
• Clay Clemmons, G, Sr.
• Tyler Vincent, G, Jr.
• Braxton Highbaugh, F, Jr.
• Braden Wall, F, Jr.
• Nolan Martin, Jr. 
• Kasey Webb, So.
• Noah Meredith, G, So.

Coach Bart Weaver returns as Lady Cat head coach and looks to bounce back after last season's finish of 6-14 on the year, which followed three consecutive district championship-winning seasons.

The Lady Cats lose three seniors from last year's squad, two of which were the top scorers with a combined 29 points per game; however, they have 8 upperclassmen and several young players returning who will look to fill the scoring void.

Weaver also boasts a long a successful coaching and teaching career that spans more than 30 years. He led the Lady Cats to two out of the three consecutive district titles after taking the head coaching position upon the retirement of former coach Kevin Jackson.

The Lady Cats will travel to Warren East on Monday to take on the Lady Raiders in a JV/V match beginning at 6pm.

The Edmonson Voice once again has the exclusive broadcasting partnership with Edmonson County High School and will carry audio and video broadcasts of games throughout the season. You can click on WildcatsLive to watch and listen. All game videos carried by the Edmonson Voice are broadcast live on the Edmonson Voice Facebook Page as well as this site.

The current roster for this year's Lady Cats is posted below:

• Leah Ballance, G, So.
• Jaedlyn Simon, G, Sr.
• Chaney Browning, G, So.
• Kennady Stice, F, So.
• Hallie Cassady, F, Sr.
• Kennadi Swihart, G, Fr.
• Maggie Cassady, F, Fr.
• Lily Jane Vincent, F, Jr.
• Jenna Cook, G, Fr.
• Terashay Watt, G, Fr.
• Karina Dennison, F, Jr.
• Callie Webb, G, Jr.
• Julie Norris, G, Fr.
• Emma White, F, Jr.
• Riley Roy, F, Fr.
• Cariann Williams, C, 8th
• Maham Shahbaz, F, Sr.
• Paige Wolfe, G, Sr.

Darren Doyle, story:
As the 2021-22 high school basketball season approaches with anticipation from players, parents, and fans, after two years of virus regulations, Edmonson County High School has organized a special night for old-school Edmonson County fans.

On December 7, 2021, both the Lady Cats and Wildcats are scheduled to take on Logan County at home; however, this game won't be on the home court of ECHS of 2021. Instead, it's scheduled to take place in what many fans know as "the old gym," "the old middle school," or "the old high school," which is actually the Edmonson County 5/6 Center.

History was in the making for Edmonson County in that old gym as ECHS basketball began a golden era of record-setting and winning that would pave the way for 1976 KHSAA State Champion Wildcats; a history that current school administrators want to see continue for generations to come.

All former ECHS players, coaches, and administrators are invited to the game to be recognized at halftime of the boys game, and will receive free admission,* and a special recognition will be made for former coaches Pete Clemmons and Gerald Meredith, two locals that coached teams in the same gym.

“Last year, Mr. Johnston, Mr. Alexander, and I had discussed how much fun it would be to do this and had no clue that Mr. Johnston would be at the 5/6 Center this year to help make it happen," said ECHS Principal Jonathan Williams, who is also a former member of ECHS basketball.  "We wanted to recreate one of the best atmospheres in the region during the glory days of ECHS basketball, spanning from consolidation through the 1981 season.  We hope our community will come out and help us fill the old gym up one more time.  We hope it's a successful night and becomes an annual event. "Personally, I'd have loved to have played a varsity game in that gym.”

The Wildcats won back-to-back-to-back district championships on the same court in 1973, 74, and 75. Those teams packed the bleachers in the gym from top-to-bottom in those days--an excitement that even prompted an Edmonson-Butler matchup in Diddle Arena, because neither school could contain the crowds that flocked to cheer on their teams.

EC 5/6 Center Principal Chad Johnston said the school was thrilled to have a chance to host the event.

“We are excited about the opportunity to bring the community together and host throwback night at the 5/6 Center. This gym is a place that is sacred in Edmonson County and it is an honor to host an ECHS basketball game in this building for the first time since the early 90s."

The last known ECHS varsity basketball game played in the gym was December of 1993 when the 93-94 Wildcats played in the Caveland Classic under Coach Ricky Houchin.

Superintendent of Schools Brian Alexander said he is as excited about the game as anyone could be.

"My earliest memories of ECHS basketball was in what is now the 5/6 Center gym," he said. "Sometimes the best way to generate excitement for the future is by honoring our past.  We hope Edmonson County fans of all ages will come and watch our Wildcats and Lady Cats and cheer our teams to victory.”

The girls game is scheduled to start at 6PM with the boys game following. They will both be live streamed on the Edmonson Voice. Youth league basketball players will also be recognized during the event.

*Only former players, coaches, and administrators will have free admission. Family members and guests of those will still be required to pay regular admission.

2021-22 Seasons Getting Underway

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Things felt more "normal" in the ECHS gym last night than they had in two years, with a full crowd on hand, and with that crowd cheering on student athletes from the middle and high school teams at the 2021 Meet the Wildcats event.

In a fundraising event that showcased the ECMS cheer team, middle school boys and girls basketball teams, the ECHS Cheer team, and both the Lady Cat and Wildcat basketball teams, fans packed the bleachers to cheer on their players.

ECHS Principal Jonathan Williams said he's already seeing an increase in school spirit, due to various reasons.

"I think people are already excited for the upcoming basketball seasons as a result of different things. Our Lady Cat team has had a really good run over the last few years and for the boys, Coach Johnson and his staff and kids have a lot of positive energy flowing with their program," he said. "When you consider the fact that we've basically been in a COVID jail, people are ready to cheer the cats on. They want to come watch a game, smell popcorn, hear shoes screeching on the floor and feel the energy."

Williams served as the event's emcee and encouraged fans in the stands to get behind all the school's teams as another season of basketball begins.

Both the ECMS and ECHS cheer teams performed separate routines as each team member was introduced. The ECMS girls team were brought out to center court and introduced to the crowd and the ECMS boys team showed off some their practice routines.

Fans got a glimpse of both the Lady Cats and Wildcats of ECHS, as the teams played two quarters each of inter-squad scrimmage.

Through the help of community sponsors, ECHS has invested in their facilities to provide a much more energetic game experience with a brand new 10ft video board and spotlights for team introductions.

"What our community has done for our school and programs has been crucial," Williams said. "Look at what we did with the video board thanks to Kasey Alford and Alford's Pharmacy. They helped us modernize and improve our advertising product and that revenue goes straight back to the facilities and supplies for our student athletes.  When kids look good, feel good, and feel the energy of representing an excited community, it means something.  I can tell you from my own experience, and as so many others know, it’s special to put that jersey on with Edmonson County on it and see the gym full of people to cheer you on." 

Middle school basketball games are already underway with the ECHS Lady Cats starting their season on the road on Monday, November 29th at Warren East, and the Wildcats kicking things off at home on Tuesday, November 30th against Nelson County.

Darren Doyle, story:
Edmonson County High School has named two new head coaches: one for Wildcats Baseball and one for Lady Cat Volleyball.

Michael Meredith was recently named head baseball coach of the Wildcats. He replaces Bo West, who stepped down after last season. 

Coach Meredith retired from ECHS in 2020 as a junior/senior counselor, spending 8 years in that role. Prior to that, he taught at Grayson County High School for 6 years before serving as senior counselor there for 14 years. 

His coaching career consists of:

• Grayson County Assistant Softball Coach for 3 years
• Grayson County Head Softball Coach for 2 years
• Grayson County Assistant Golf Coach for 8 years
• President of local Babe Ruth for past 4 years
• Longtime tee ball to Babe Ruth coach at all levels
• Edmonson County Assistant Golf Coach 2021-present

Coach Meredith said his plans are to build the program from the 7th grade up, and to try to give every child in the program the attention they need to become better players and better people.

"I want to improve the existing facilities and hopefully build things for the future," he said. "I want to work hand-in-hand with our youth program to provide what I can to help develop our younger talent.  I want those younger kids to feel a part of our program.  I want to have a youth league night in baseball just like we have in football and basketball." 

"We lost 9 seniors from last years squad so we have a lot of holes to fill and a lot of work to do, but the players that are coming to open field are doing everything that we are asking of them to get better."
​

While Caitlin Caudill might be new to a head volleyball coaching position, she is more than experienced in winning. She was named interim volleyball head coach in September of 2021 after Bridget Simon stepped down. While she had already been serving as freshmen volleyball coach, she quickly earned the respect as a head coach from not only the JV and varsity players, but also parents and school administration.

At ECHS as Caitlin Simon, (now happily married to her husband, Daniel Caudill) she played not only volleyball, but also softball, and basketball. She holds the school record for the most points ever scored in Lady Cat basketball history, with 2,564 points. During her senior year of Lady Cat basketball, she was named 3rd Region Player of the Year, All-Region 1st Team, and Region 3 All-Tournament team. She also earned numerous All-District honors over multiple seasons and was a finalist for Miss Kentucky Basketball 2018.

Also in that senior season, the Lady Cats finished with a 29-5 record, the best in school history for a girls basketball team, as 12th District Champions for the first time since 1998, and they were All "A" Region 3 Champions.

While most folks remember her amazing basketball skills, she was a standout athlete in every sport; volleyball was no exception and she excelled as powerful hitter.

"First and foremost, I would just like to say I am thankful for the opportunity to coach this team," she said. "I am super excited and look forward to working with the girls. We are going to work hard on this off-season to try and prepare for 2022. I am also excited to be coaching a sport that I love so much and I am looking forward to continuing to work with these amazing girls."

In Caudill's senior season in ECHS volleyball, she was actually teammates of a few of next year's senior Lady Cats, when those players were 7th graders.

ECHS Principal Jonathan Williams discussed the decision to hire both Meredith and Caudill for the positions.

"Michael Meredith is a great hire for us here--he’s a leader in the community, has mentored a lot of young men in our community, including me, and it’s a very full circle moment for me to get to hire him," he said. "He has led a successful softball program before and has served our young people through our youth baseball programs for years.  Coach Brad Johnson and I are thrilled to have him here as head coach for our Wildcats."

Williams also had high remarks for Caudill.

"We are proud to have a person like Caitlin want to come back to where she played and coach our girls," he added. "Caitlin is a winner and has a strong track record of winning. She is energetic, knows the game, and has proven she knows how to teach fundamental volleyball.  Most of all, Caitlin is a great person and will be a good role model for our kids. To say Coach Johnson and I are thrilled to have her coaching here is an understatement."

Edmonson Voice Sports:
The ECHS Cross Country teams traveled to Paris, KY on Saturday to compete in the KHSAA State Championships.  The girls team finished 15th overall out of the 30 teams that qualified. They were led by Caroline Parsley 70th place, followed by Jenna Cook 80th, Cariann Williams 82nd, Kenadi Swihart 109th, Lilly Miller 142nd, Abby Logsdon 150th, and Emma Grace Cena 161st.  There were a total of 230 girls in the race. 

“Our girls team competed well today, we didn’t have the day we wanted but I was proud of their effort,” said Coach Brad Meredith. “You could tell we were still recovering from region. We came up a little short of our overall goal but we had a great season. Conference Champions, Regional Champions,  State Meet qualifiers and still a top 15 team in the state. It's a pretty successful season.”

The boys finished 20th as a team out of the 36 teams that qualified. They were led by Logan Brooks 90th, followed by Brandon Lindsey 125th, Tyler Brooks 127th, Landon Franich 150th, Ashton Johnson 200th, David Brewer 211th, and Tyler Anderson 217th out of 265 runners.

“Our boys team came a long way throughout the season.  Many of them didn’t get real consistent training because they were affected by COVID, but they competed well at state. For many of them, it was their best race of the season,” said Coach Meredith. “I’m extremely proud of how both teams competed at region and at the state meet. I told them after the meet, that I was proud and they should be proud of themselves also.  We got to compete at the highest level of our sport. Not many teams in any sport can say that.  There were a lot of teams that were at home on Saturday while we were competing. Even though we didn’t reach our teams goals at State, 15th and 20th place finishes as a team is pretty impressive. I want Edmonson County to know these young athletes represented us at the highest level of competition  and everyone should be proud of them. They are great students , have great sportsmanship, and even the hotel we stayed at bragged on how well our kids behaved, we just have a great group of kids.”