Darren Doyle, story: Madison Doyle, photos:
The Edmonson County Lady Cats had a strong showing in the 2018 Rafferty's Caveland Classic, hosted once again at ECHS, which featured 7 total teams in this year's event.

The Lady Cats held on against the Green County Lady Dragons on Saturday night 54-49 in overtime, thanks to big performances by Madison Harrison with 13 points and 11 rebounds, and Lauren Ballance who impressed with 21 points and 9 rebounds. 

After a scalding 13-0 start in the first quarter, the Lady Cats went cold as Green County responded with a 10-0 run of their own. Edmonson County held an 18-12 lead after one. From that point forward, the game never separated with more than a two-possession game on either end.

The Lady Dragons took a 44-42 lead with 1:50 to go on a shot in the paint. On the next Lady Cat possession, Katie Lindsey found an open Ballance on the left side who buried a 3 with 1:14 left for an EC 45-44 lead. Green County's Kylie Jackson drove the ball into the paint once again but drew a foul. She hit both free throws as Green took a 46-45 lead with 48 seconds left in the game.

Emma Vincent hit Ballance again with a give-and-go where she drew a foul with 16.7 seconds left. Ballance hit one of two free throws to tie the game at 46 all. Green County fired a 3 at the buzzer but it was no good to force overtime. Edmonson County held on to win in overtime for their 5th straight win.

Katie Lindsey scored 9, Emma Vincent had 8, and Chanley Logsdon had 3. Edmonson County defeated Hart County on Friday night 61-40 and Franklin-Simpson 58-19 on Thursday night.

Rafferty's was once again the corporate sponsor for the annual tournament, thanks to EC native Scott Lindsey, who plays the vital part in bringing the event to ECHS. As Senior VP of Rafferty's, Lindsey sees that sponsorship money is put back into Edmonson County schools for the tournament.

Another scrappy and physical game was the case on Saturday evening as the Wildcats took on Green County in the final round of the Rafferty's Caveland Classic immediately following the Lady Cat win. As has been the case all year, turnovers were once again a factor as the Dragons capitalized on Wildcat mistakes throughout the night. 

Edmonson County shot poorly from the free throw line as well (5-16) for only 42%. However, Nick Clemmons was hot from behind the arc as he sunk 5-three pointers for a total of 17 points. Dalton Decker was cold early but he was more aggressive around the rim in the second half as he finished with 14 points. 

The Wildcats were down as much as 9 in the third quarter but an 8-2 run by EC cut that to 33-30 going into the fourth quarter. Edmonson County had a chance to tie it at the buzzer but Griffin Spainhoward's contested three was no good and Green County took the win.

Edmonson County faced a tough battle on Friday night against Hart County where they pulled out a 69-63 win over the Raiders. Fans saw a similar match up on Thursday as well in the first night of the classic as the Wildcats fell to yet another physical team in Metcalfe County, who defeated the Cats 71-64.

Both the boys and girls will off through Christmas and then the boys are scheduled to travel to Cloverport next Thursday, December 27th at 3pm to play Frederick Fraize. The Edmonson Voice will carry the audio broadcast only. The Wildcats are now 4-12 on the season.

The Lady Cats are 7-2 on the season and are scheduled to play in the Banker Hardwood Classic in Russell County on December 27th at 2pm.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
For the 12th consecutive year, Edmonson County High School will play host to the Rafferty’s Caveland Classic.  The classic will begin on Thursday, December 20th and finish on Saturday, December 22nd. There will be six games each day, as both girls and boys teams from Grayson County, Green County, Hart County, Edmonson County, Greenwood, Franklin-Simpson girls team, and Metcalfe County’s boys team are in this year’s Classic.  
 
ECHS Athletic Director Kyle Pierce says that the games should be extremely competitive. “I really like the matchups and the ability to put the girls and boys teams from the same school in back-to-back games. That should help everyone’s fans to travel to one location and watch their school play. We’ve got a lineup of games that should lead to good games.”
 
As title sponsor, Rafferty’s restaurants play the key role in putting on the classic each year.  Pierce said there would not be a classic without the help of Edmonson County’s own Scott Lindsey, who serves as senior vice president. 

“Without Scott, there would not be a Caveland Classic. He not only helps us out financially, but he provides meals for all teams one day. That is a lot of good food! The teams, coaches, media, and officials that come here are always impressed because they know our hospitality is second to none. This 3-day event helps our players, parents, and fans to stay close and not have to travel far away to watch us play over the Christmas break. We are very fortunate to have Scott Lindsey and the people at Rafferty’s to help us put on this great event. I know many of our people do, but if you get the chance, make sure to visit Rafferty’s to show our appreciation. So come early and watch some great basketball.”
 
All games are played at the High School. Tickets are $8 per day or you may purchase a 3-day pass for $20. There is no cost to a season ticket holder. Their card will be honored throughout the tournament. Reserved seats are good for Edmonson County games only.

Darren Doyle, story: Madison Doyle, photos:
The Lady Cats notched their first district win of the season against Butler County on the road Friday night with the help of Mia Goad's 15 points and 7 rebounds off the bench, and senior shooting guard Chanley Logsdon's 14 points, which included four, three-pointers.

Edmonson County held a 9-7 lead after the first quarter but a huge second quarter that saw the Lady Cats outscoring the Lady Bears 22-9 allowed them to take a 31-16 lead into the locker room at the half. 

Edmonson County was able to keep the turnovers down to 13, a sharp contrast from much higher numbers in earlier games and impressed with a team 30 rebounds.

Point guard Katie Lindsey was the third Lady Cat in double figures with 10 points. Emma Vincent added 7 points and 9 rebounds, Lauren Ballance and Josi Morrison each added 4 points, and Madison Harrison and Macie McCombs each added 3 points.

Edmonson County improved to 4-3 on the season and is set to take on Franklin-Simpson at home on Thursday at 6pm at home in the 2018 Rafferty's Caveland Classic.

A big third quarter from Butler County sealed the deal against the Wildcats in a 75-63 loss in Morgantown on Friday night. Turnovers were down slightly, but the Bears were simply able to knock down more shots as the Cats struggled from the field.

Chaz Wilson delivered once again for Edmonson County with 21 points and 5 rebounds. He also shot 6/8 from the free throw line. 

Dalton Decker and Griffin Spainhoward added 10 points each. Trent Taylor added 7 points off the bench. Eli Booker had 6, Nick Clemmons had 5, and Mason Pierce added 4 points. 

Edmonson County is now 2-6 on the season and is scheduled to take on Hancock County today at 2pm at home. 

Darren Doyle, story: Madison Doyle, photos:
Turnovers were a key factor once again for the Wildcats as they fell to Barren County 64-49 on the road on Monday night.

The Trojans led 10-4 after the first quarter and miscommunication on the part of Edmonson County allowed Barren County to keep them within an arm's reach as the Cats trailed 27-20 at the half. 

Barren County continued their offensive success in the third quarter, led by the Trojans' 6'6" Will Bandy, who ended up with 25 points on the night, but the Wildcats started putting together a run in the final minutes of the third quarter.

Edmonson County compiled an 11-2 run from the end of the third through the start of the fourth that cut Barren's lead to 44-39 with 7:19 to go in the game, but that would be as close as the Cats would get as the Trojans went on to outscore Edmonson 20-10 in the remainder of the quarter and hold on for the 64-49 win. Edmonson County has had 20 or more turnovers in each loss this season.

Chaz Wilson led the Wildcats with 11 points and 9 rebounds. Mason Pierce added 10 points, and Griffin Spainhoward put up 9. The remaining scorers for the Cats were: Decker, Clemmons, and Smith with 5 each, and Booker and Woosley each added 2.

"I can't ask for any more effort from these kids," said Coach Mac. "Something good is going to happen to the soon, I promise you. It's like I told them in the locker room, I'll give them the two wins and I'll take the five losses as the coach," he said, noting their record of 2-5.

"We battled, but we got into a hole early. We cut it to 5 there late, we just made some turnovers that hurt us, or they got a second shot. They need to be rewarded with a win, but we're going to work on it between now and Friday."

Edmonson is scheduled to take on Butler County on the road Friday night in a G/B doubleheader beginning at 6pm. 

Darren Doyle, story: Madison Doyle, photos:
The Lady Cats held their own against the 5-0 Barren County Trojanettes for the first quarter but it was short-lived as Barren County used all of their many tools to break away for a big win on Monday night.

Edmonson County struggled to gather any offense against Barren County, who used a combination of defenses to keep the Lady Cats out of rhythm. 

The Trojanettes also out-rebounded the Lady Cats, connected on six, three-point attempts and were led by senior Bailey Pedigo's 21 points.

Emma Rose Vincent led the Lady Cats with 11 points and four rebounds. She was the only Lady Cat in double figures. Also scoring for Edmonson was Katie Lindsey with 8, Lauren Ballance added 4, and Chanley Logsdon, Madison Harrison, and Shea Vanmeter all added 2 points each.

"I was proud of the way we came out. We had a really sound first quarter," said Coach Weaver. "We didn't turn the ball over, but in the second quarter we started giving up all those offensive rebounds. That kind of changed things up a little bit. They are good, and I'll give them credit."

Weaver said the team is experiencing growing pains and is a work in progress; however, he's seeing improvements as the season progresses, despite losses like Monday night's.

"Hopefully we'll turn this thing around. They've got to have some confidence, it's their team now. And I've got confidence in them, I'm not giving up on them and I think they'll start to get more aggressive."

Edmonson County is 2-3 on the season and is scheduled to take on Franklin Simpson at home tonight in a girls-only varsity match beginning at 6pm. 

Edmonson Voice Sports:
Local cabinet man Mark Woosley, who is also vice president of the ECHS boys basketball boosters, was recently contracted to build new lockers for one of the locker rooms at Diddle Arena for WKU. During the process, he inquired with WKU Volleyball head coach Travis Hudson, who is also an ECHS graduate and former Wildcat athlete, about the possibility of purchasing the older ones at WKU for an upgrade for the boys high school team. 

Coach Hudson was able to arrange the sale of the old lockers to the boys team for a very affordable price. Booster president Jason Rose along with treasurer Michelle Wilson got together and made the decision to complete the purchase. 

Team volunteers met at Diddle Arena on Saturday to disassemble the lockers and haul them to ECHS for the remodel.  Woosley, Rose, Eric Spainhoward, Erick & Michelle Wilson, and Michael Meredith were all involved along with the help of Coach Mac and Mrs. McClintic. ​

Darren Doyle, story: Madison Doyle, photos:
The Wildcats were greeted by the Grayson County Cougars on Q Daryius McHenry's two-handed dunk from a lob pass just seconds into the game on Friday night for the Cougars' first points. That led to a big quarter from Grayson County and an 18-8 deficit for the Cats heading into the second; however, Edmonson County regained their composure, there were no more dunks, and Edmonson pulled out a very gritty, hard-earned 51-43 district win on Friday night.

Edmonson County dialed in their 2-3 zone defense in the second quarter which shut down Grayson County's offense. A 16-5 run in the quarter gave the Wildcats a 24-23 lead at the halftime break. The Cats shot no free throws during the entire first half. 

Grayson County responded in the third with a 10-4 run that put them on top 36-34 heading into the fourth quarter.

Once again, the Cats adjusted in the fourth, tightened up their defense and went to work. Edmonson County regained the lead at 38-37 with just over five minutes to go on Chaz Wilson's bucket. They never trailed again. Edmonson County hit their free throws down the stretch. Wilson hit eight straight foul shots during the game (8/10). He finished with a team-high 16 points and 14 rebounds. 

Edmonson County went on to win 51-43 in their first district win of the season.

"It was a great win and I'm so proud of these kids," said Coach Mac. "We got down early and I was concerned, but the kids responded and did a great job."

Coach Mac credited the Wildcat defense for the surge in the second quarter, coupled with solid rebounding. Edmonson County also turned the ball over less and improved their free throw shooting (71%), two factors that have led to struggles in previous game.

Mason Pierce added 13 points, Dalton Decker had 12, Eli Booker scored 6, and Nick Clemmons and Griffin Spainhoward added 2 points each. 

Edmonson County is now 2-3 on the season and will take on South Warren tonight on the road. 

Darren Doyle, story: Madison Doyle, photos:
It was a battle the entire way for Edmonson County as they hosted the Lady Cougars in the first district game of the season at ECHS on Friday night, and a surge from the Lady Cats in the final minutes still wasn't enough to knock off Grayson County as they fell 40-37.

A bit of a sloppy and scattered game, especially in the first half, the game was a game of runs as Grayson started off with an 8-4 lead. Edmonson started what appeared to be the makings of their first run in the second quarter as they cut their deficit to 11-10, but Grayson County finished the quarter on a 9-0 run that gave them a 20-10 lead at the break.

The Lady Cougars' attempt at limiting dribble penetration from Edmonson point guard Katie Lindsey was effective, holding her to 6 points. Most of the Lady Cat offense came from Lauren Ballance, who finished with 17 points and 7 rebounds.

Edmonson never gave up and upped their defense which forced some Lady Cougar turnovers. Edmonson County closed the gap to 26-20 heading in to the fourth but Grayson County put together another run that extended their lead to 35-24 with four minutes remaining in the game. Edmonson County began their final surge with an 8-0 run that cut the lead to 35-32 with 2:29 left.

After a couple free throws from each team, Grayson County led 37-34. A Lady Cougar turnover gave Edmonson County the ball under their own basket. Madison Harrison buried a three-pointer with 1:30 to tie the game at 37 all. After a drive to the bucket from Grayson County and another free throw, the Lady Cats trailed 40-37 with 11 seconds to go and the ball, but Edmonson County did not get a shot off in the final seconds and Grayson pulled out the win.

"We dug ourselves a hole in the first half and had to find a way to fight back," said Coach Bart Weaver. "I'm really proud of our girls for fighting back, believing, not giving up. We had a lot of turnovers, but we also forced them into some. We've got a lot to learn, but Grayson County has a good team."

Emma Rose Vincent added 8 points while Chanley Logsdon and Madison Harrison added three points each. 

Edmonson County is 2-2 on the season are is scheduled to take on Barren County on the road Monday night in a girl/boy doubleheader beginning at 6pm. You can listen to the audio stream on WildcatsLive, only on the Edmonson Voice, and you can also watch the live stream on both the Edmonson Voice Facebook page and the WildcatsLive page on EdmonsonVoice.com.

Both the boys and girls ECHS basketball games at Trinity for December 4, 2018 have been postponed due to potential hazardous weather in Whitesville tonight. 

A makeup date will be scheduled later. Both teams are scheduled to take on Grayson County at home this Friday night beginning at 6pm.

Wilson Notches Third Straight Double-Double 

Darren Doyle, story: Madison Doyle, photos:
The Wildcats overpowered Warren East in a physical battle that came down to the final minutes on Friday night at home. Edmonson County grabbed their first win of the season 59-56, as three Wildcats put up double-figures in scoring. 

Sophomore Chaz Wilson led with his third straight double-double, as he put up 17 points and 11 rebounds, Dalton Decker impressed again with 15 points, and Mason Pierce added 10 points.

"It's been a tough week with the way we started off and then going up to Breck," said Coach Mike McClintic. "But we emphasized that if we could cut our turnovers in half from what we'd been doing it would make a difference. We didn't get them to half, but we did way down from what it has been. We still made a lot of bonehead plays, as I call them, and they made it interesting for this old man and that's why I don't have hair," he said with a laugh. "But I'm so proud of them. I can't say enough about them--they're wonderful."

The Wildcats had an aggressive start, jumping out to a 13-3 lead. East finally got their offense going late in the first but Edmonson led 21-14 going into the second. East continued chipping away and narrowed Edmonson's lead to 34-29 at the half. 

The Wildcats struggled in the third as East's defense was turned up and the game became a much more physical contest. Turnovers led to transition baskets for the Raiders and some poor shot selections by the Wildcats led to East outscoring Edmonson in the quarter as they narrowed the EC lead to 45-43 going into the fourth.

Warren East tied the score with two free throws at 45 all with 6:51 to go in the game. The Wildcats failed to score on their next possession and the Raiders drew a foul on a made basket for a three-point play to take their first lead of the game 48-45 with 6:21 left.

EC's Chaz Wilson scored on the next trip for the Wildcats while drawing the foul but couldn't make the free throw as the Cats trailed 47-48. Nick Clemmons drove the lane for a left handed scoop shot to regain the lead for the Wildcats with 5:31 to go. The score went back-and-forth when Dalton Decker went coast-to-coast for a layup that gave the Cats a 55-52 lead with 3:39 to go. Warren East stepped on the line as they attempted to inbound the ball but the Wildcats threw the ball away as they took possession. 

East scored and drew another foul but missed the free throw to narrow their deficit to 55-54 with 3:04 to go. Each team exchanged baskets as the Cats held on to a 57-56 lead with 1:36 to go. With just over a minute left, Mason Pierce took a charge against Warren East and then scored on their next possession with a drive to the basket. Edmonson County extended their lead to 59-56 with 50 seconds left. It would be the final score as East was unsuccessful with three-point attempts as time expired.

Eli Booker added 6 points, Nick Clemmons added 5, and Griffin Spainhoward scored 4 points.

Edmonson County is now 1-2 on the season and is scheduled to take on Cumberland County Saturday at home around 4pm in a G/B doubleheader.

Edmonson Bounces Back With 70-26 Win

Darren Doyle, story: Madison Doyle, photos:
After a 25-point loss on the road Tuesday night against Breckinridge County, the Lady Cats were looking to turn things around at home against Warren East. Needless to say, a 70-26 win over the Lady Raiders was certainly a turnaround.

"We put a game plan together and these girls followed it to a T," said Head Coach Bart Weaver. "Our big focus was to block out, rebound, and go get balls. They did that right on point."

Led by sophomore point guard Katie Lindsey with 18 points, the Lady Cats put points on the board with lots of defense. Warren East struggled with the zone from Edmonson County and in turn, the Lady Cats put up some easy baskets.

Edmonson County also handled the pressure well from East, something with which the Lady Cats struggled mightily against Breck on Tuesday.

"It was real important that we come out and establish good ball control against a press and I think we did that," said Weaver. Tuesday night turnovers hurt Edmonson County (24 of them), but they limited those to only 10 against East.  

Also scoring for the Lady Cats were Lauren Ballance with 13, Madison Harrison had 9, Emma Rose Vincent had 8, Chanley Logsdon and Mia Goad each had 7, and Macy McCombs and Josi Morrison had 4 apiece. 

The Lady Cats are now 1-1 on the season and are scheduled to take on Cumberland County at home Saturday at 3pm. District play begins next week with Trinity on the road and Grayson County at home.