Comeback Effort Falls Just Short For Wildcats In Loss To Green County

Cats Fall To Dragons 52-50

Senior Lane Lindsey attempts a shot over Green County's Kellen Whitlow (1).

Darren Doyle, story: Alyssa Doyle, photos:
A high-contact shot attempt at the buzzer that ended with a miss and a no-call was the final play of the night as the Wildcats fell to Green County 52-50 last night at ECHS.

With 7 seconds remaining and the Wildcats down 2 points, senior Chaz Wilson drove to the basket for a shot attempt that missed as Green County's Jackson Johnson attempted to take a charge. Jackson and Wilson got tied up on the missed shot but no call was made. Most fans would agree that it appeared as though Wilson committed a charge, which could have changed the outcome of the game.

Had the charge call been made, Green County would've had the ball underneath the Wildcat basket with under a second left, giving the Wildcats one more attempt for a possible steal and shot attempt at the buzzer. While the outcome of the game would not have likely changed, most Wildcat fans thought at least some call had to be made. 

"There was contact there, I don't care what anybody says," said Coach Mike McClintic. "There was contact. Either it's a charge, or it's a foul on them. It's got to be called something."

Senior Chaz Wilson puts up a shot against Green County.

While Wildcat fans wanted some sort of a call, no game is ever decided by one single play or an official's call, or in this case, a lack of a call. Edmonson County found themselves down 9 points at the half and had to scrape and claw to tie the score at 40 at the end of the third quarter. 

Edmonson County outrebounded the Dragons 27-17 and while the turnovers were about equal, those turnovers came at the wrong times for Edmonson County and Green County capitalized on them.

Gavin Rose attempts a 3-pointer against Green County.

Wildcat coach Mike McClintic is presented a plaque from ECHS Athletic Director Kyle Pierce commemorating his 43-year coaching career.

"I'm proud of the boys again, we were down early," said Coach Mac. "We're fighting back all the time and I'm proud of them. Everybody that got in their game did their job and I can't ask anymore out of them than what they gave me tonight."

McClintic was recognized before the game for his 43-year career of coaching. He announced earlier in the week that he will retire from coaching and teaching after this season.

The Wildcats were led by Chaz Wilson's 11 points and 10 rebounds. Gavin Rose had 10 points, Lane Lindsey added 8, Braden Wall had 7, Jon Smith had 5 points and 5 rebounds, Isaiah Johnson added 4, Cole Saling had 3, and Trace Taylor scored 2 points.

Edmonson County falls to 6-11 on the season. After today's game at Russellville scheduled for 10AM, the boys will not play during the upcoming week as a COVID precaution before the District 12 tournament, scheduled at Trinity the following week.