Cats Fall to Owensboro Catholic in Region Tournament as Season Ends

Aces Over Wildcats 48-31

Caden Mills and Tyler Anderson fight for a loose ball against Owensboro Catholic.

Darren Doyle, story: Madison Doyle, photos:
The 2023 Edmonson County Wildcat basketball season came to an end tonight with a 48-31 loss to the Owensboro Catholic Aces in the 3rd Region Tournament, held at the Owensboro Sportscenter, the home court of the Aces.

OC pressed the Wildcats on every single dead ball situation, which caused trouble for Edmonson County early. While turnovers weren't the main issue for the Wildcats, (7 at halftime), rushed and altered shots contributed to poor shooting in the first half, shooting 5 of 24 from the floor (21%)

Braden Wall goes for 2 of his 10 points against Owensboro Catholic.

Boden Bates shoots over an Aces defender.

Tyler Anderson drives to the basket.

The Wildcats were down 34-18 at the half. Edmonson County could never find any real offensive rhythm as Catholic continued their press. While the Aces were out-rebounded by the Cats, their offensive rebounding was extremely efficient as they scored double figures in second-chance points.

Zander Bass shoots over an Ace defender.

Will Alexander drives the lane against O. Catholic defenders.

Caden Mills shoots in the 2023 3rd Region tournament.

Edmonson County was led in scoring by Braden Wall with 10 points. He also pulled down 11 rebounds. Also scoring was Will Alexander with 6 points along with sophomore Joshua Decker (6pts), who started in place on the absent Braxton Highbaugh, who ECHS said was unavailable for tonight's game.

Tyler Anderson had 4 points, Zander Bass had 3, and Boden Bates added 2 points.

Joshua Decker (24) defends an Ace shooter.

The ECHS cheer team.

Tyler Vincent against Owensboro Catholic.

Cam Campbell looks to make a pass against Owensboro Catholic.

Coach Brad Johnson discussed the difficult night for the Wildcats.

"We had to shuffle everybody around a little bit but we made no excuses," he said. "They shot the ball better than us. Of course, it's their home gym...if we knock in some shots and we shoot a better percentage, then we're right in the game."

Johnson also paid respect to his seniors that took the floor for the last time in a Wildcat basketball jersey tonight that included Braden Wall, Tyler Anderson, Zander Bass, Boden Bates, Caden Mills, Braxton Highbaugh, Cam Campbell, and Tyler Vincent. He discussed each one and their contributions to the program over the years. He also said that he told them in the locker rooms that while this is the end of one part of their lives, it's the beginning of something else. He said he also told them that there are much worse things in life than losing a basketball games.

Edmonson County finishes their season with a record of 18-13. They brought home the first District 12 Championship since the 2017 team. It was the first time in school history that the boys and girls won the championships in the same season.