Cats Show Comeback Effort, Still Fall Short To Breckinridge

ECHS looked to make it three wins in a row last night, but a slow first quarter along with a momentum killer in the 4th kept that from happening, as the Cats lost to Breckinridge County at home, 78-65. 

Chase Turley defends a Breckinridge player. (S. Skaggs)

For the second game in a row, ECHS let their opponent get the best of them to start the game, as the Cats fell behind 19-11 after the first quarter. Much like last week's game vs. Whitesville Trinity, the Wildcats had to play catch-up the rest of the game. 

ECHS had a much better showing in the second quarter as they pulled to within 3 at halftime, trailing 33-30. Breckinridge edged the Wildcats by only a couple of points in the third quarter, yet added to the lead as EC trailed 55-49 going into the 4th quarter. 

In a close contest halfway about halfway through the 4th quarter, Wildcat Dakota Woodcock was called for what fans considered to be a questionable  technical foul. It appeared that Woodcock was simply trying to get position from being boxed out, but the official ruled the push into the back of the Breckinridge player was intentional. This changed the momentum of the game, causing the Cats to start shooting threes. Unfortunately, that only works if you make them, which the boys weren't able to do. The game was closer than the scored showed, but Breckinridge hit freethrows down the stretch, increasing the lead and eventually sealing the win.

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The Wildcats were led offensively by Dakota Woodcock with 16 points, 3 assists, and 1 steal. Two other Wildcats hit double figures as Cole Bedwell scored 12 points and Cuban Sowders added 11 along with his 7 rebounds. Other contributors to the cause were Hunter Buttram with 9, Turley, Norris, and Caudill each added 5 points apiece, and Devin Elmore added 2. 

The Wildcats will play Ohio County at home this Thursday night, Feb 12th, in a girl/boy doubleheader. Tipoff is scheduled for 6pm.

Darren Doyle, story
Granville Meredith, contributor
Scott Skaggs, photos