Cats Power Past Grayson County As Cougars Lose

Edmonson County Wins 47-39

Braxton Highbaugh drives against Grayson County's Dillon Horn (44).

Darren Doyle, story: Madison Doyle, photos:
Edmonson County head coach Brad Johnson said one of the keys to a win last night would be "handling the moment," meaning, being able to take care of business when the business was at hand. The Wildcats had several big moments, including some untimely turnovers, but they were able to withstand a tough atmosphere and a physical game for their first district win of the season, beating the Grayson County Cougars 47-39.

The back-and-forth contest was exactly what one would expect in a district rivalry with a big crowd at Grayson County, filled with zealous student sections, referee warnings, foul-outs, and technical fouls, as the first quarter ended tied at 10 each. Edmonson County clutched a 19-17 lead at the half.

Braden Wall wrestles for the ball against Grayson County's River Blanton.

Will Alexander lays the ball up against Grayson County.

Edmonson County finished the half with zero turnovers but they were beat on the boards 16-12 at the break. While the Wildcats finished with only 9 turnovers for the game, they came at times where Edmonson's momentum was starting to pick up. At one time, the Cats had only 3 turnovers, but they all came within a few minutes. The score was tied at 28 going into the fourth quarter.

Zander Bass goes up for a shot against a Grayson defender.

Senior Tyler Anderson started the fourth quarter with a three-pointer at the top of the key. Grayson County turned the ball over on their next possession. Senior Braden Wall grabbed an offensive rebound off a missed three and then scored on a turnaround jumper to give the Cats a 33-28 lead. Edmonson County would not trail again in the ballgame. The Cougars trailed 36-32 with just over a minute to go but that's as close as they would get.

Wil Alexander, who led the Cats in scoring with 16 points, hit 8 out of 10 free throws down the stretch, including four in a row during the final seconds.

Wall added 9 points and 3 rebounds, Anderson added 7 points and 6 rebounds, Boden Bates had 6 points, Braxton Highbaugh had 5 points and 7 rebounds, and Zander Bass added 4 points.

Edmonson County is now 4-1 on the season and is scheduled to take on Hart County at home on Monday, December 12th.