Big Second Quarter Leads Wildcats To District Win Over Trinity, 74-66

Edmonson County Wins 5th Game Out of Last Seven Contests

Logan Lindsey drives the baseline against Trinity. Lindsey finished with 21 points.

Darren Doyle, story: Madison Doyle photos:
The Wildcats faced a very aggressive Trinity Raiders team Tuesday night, January 30th at the 2018 Basketball Homecoming, but a team effort and execution of a solid game plan worked as the Cats knocked off their district opponent 74-65.

The point total for each team was dead even for three out of four quarters: 12-12 in the first, 16-16 in the third, and 23-23 in the fourth, but a big 15-0 run in the second quarter proved to be the surge that tipped the scales for Edmonson County.

Prior to the game, Coach Mike McClintic said there were three main factors for EC that would play major roles in the outcome of the game: 1. fewer turnovers, 2. more rebounds, and 3. matching Trinity's intensity and then going beyond.

The Wildcats fell just short of the rebounding margin (30-28) but made up for that by way of turnovers. They had 18 of them compared to Trinity's 27. Eight of the Raiders' turnovers happened in the second quarter where Edmonson County made their big run. They took a 35-27 lead going into the half and that would be the same scoring difference at the final buzzer. The intensity was the same for three quarters, but the Cats amped it up during the second.

"At times, our defense really pressured them," said Assistant Coach Bart Weaver. "We trapped a lot and forced them into a lot, but I told Mac before the game that this is how it's going to be every time with these district games for the rest of the year...If you're a four-seed you've got just as good of a chance to win the district tournament as the number one-seed, and I really think that."

Tucker Cole goes for 2 of his 14 points against Trinity.

Seniors led the way for the Wildcats as Logan Lindsey topped Edmonson County in scoring with 21 points. Point guard Tucker Cole was key for Edmonson County as he put up 14 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, 6 steals, 1 blocked shot, and only 2 turnovers. Lindsey and Cole were also a combined 7 out of 8 from the free throw line.

Weaver said he was happy to see the large crowd at the homecoming game including a packed student section. He said he could tell a positive difference in his players as a result of the crowd.

"They were pumped up from this crowd here at this big district game. This crowd really excited them and that's a great thing." 

In addition to Lindsey and Cole, two other Wildcats landed in double figures: Chaz Wilson scored 13 and Dalton Decker added 12. Logan Minton scored 5, while Ryan Lindsey and J.T. Vincent scored 2 points each.

Edmonson County is now 7-15 on the season and will take on Grayson County on Friday, February 2 at home in a girl/boy doubleheader. Girls' tip is set for 6pm. The game will be broadcast live via the WildcatsLive audio stream. No video will be available.