Cats Can't Overcome Fourth Quarter Run By Butler County

Last Second Shot Misses As Wildcats Fall 40-39 In District Tournament

Chaz Wilson drives around two Butler County defenders.

Darren Doyle, story: Alyssa Doyle, photos:
The Wildcats' season ended last night as they fell 40-39 to Butler County in the first round of the District 12 Tournament, hosted by Trinity High School in Whitesville.

Three consecutive Wildcat turnovers in the final minutes and a couple of calls that didn't set well with Edmonson County fans were part of a 9-2 run from Butler County that gave them their first lead since the second quarter.

Edmonson County had a mediocre start to the game as Butler led 12-7 after the first. The Wildcats cranked up the defense in the second and held the Bears to only 5 points as Edmonson County took a 23-17 lead at the break.

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Lane Lindsey goes against two Bear defenders in the district tournament.

Trace Taylor puts up a shot against the Bears.

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​It was all Chaz Wilson for the Wildcats in the third quarter--literally. The senior center scored all 11 of Edmonson County's points as they took a 34-29 lead going into the fourth.

Butler County knocked down some shots early in the quarter and tied it at 36 on a Bears 7-2 run with 5:29 to go. The Bears took their first lead since the second at 38-36 but senior Gavin Rose hit a three with 3:13 left to put the Cats back on top by one; however, Edmonson County committed three straight turnovers, which kept the momentum on the side of the Butler County.

A couple of missed shots that simply were in and out for the Wildcats allowed Butler County more opportunities. The Bears missed a shot on an inbounds play but tipped it in with 7.6 seconds on the clock. The Wildcats would have to come the length of the floor for one more attempt. Chaz Wilson put up a final shot against four Bear defenders as the ball bounced just short and left of the hoop as time expired.

Sophomore Braden Wall goes up for two points against Butler County

Wilson led the Wildcats with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Wilson averaged 17 points and 13 rebounds for Edmonson County this season and joined the 1,000 point club this year. 

Sophomore Braden Wall had 10 points and 5 rebounds, Daniel Woosley had 4 points and 5 rebounds, Gavin Rose, Lane Lindsey, and Isaiah Johnson all had 3 points each. 

Edmonson County shot 27% from the field on 13 of 48 shots.

It was the final high school basketball game for 7 seniors: Chaz Wilson, Daniel Woosley, Gavin Rose, Jon Smith, Isaiah Johnson, Lane Lindsey, and Dylan Lindsey, as well as long-time coach Mike McClintic. Coach Mac discussed the game, his seniors, the team, and season.

​"We obviously didn't want it to end like this, but as I've said many times before, I couldn't ask for any better effort than our kids gave me last night," he said. "We cranked up our defense in the second and switched a couple things up and I really felt like that put us in a good position. We didn't shoot well and that hurt us, but some mistakes we made in the fourth just allowed the momentum to go to Butler County and we weren't able to overcome that. It wasn't one shot here or there, or a single play or a call that lost it, there were just some things that didn't go our way."

Coach Mac ends his 43-year coaching career after this season. 

"My shoes are not hard to fill because whoever comes in after me has a great group of kids coming up," he said. "Whoever takes my place is already in a position for success because of these kids. I know it's really tough for our seniors and I can't say enough about them. I couldn't ask any more from a group of kids that we have. It's been special and it's been a wonderful experience."

McClintic said what makes Edmonson County different from other places he's been is the character of the players and students.

"They're the best, period. It's just something special that we have here that you don't find just anywhere. I'm going to miss it."

The Wildcats end the season with a 6-13 record.