Decker Reaches 1000 Point Milestone As Cats Down Cougars

Edmonson Wins 53-41 On Senior Night

Wildcats Senior Dalton Decker (1) scored his 1000th point for Edmonson County last night against Grayson County.

Darren Doyle, story: Alyssa Doyle, photos:
It was a big night for Edmonson County basketball on Thursday against Grayson County in a girl/boy doubleheader at ECHS. It was senior night for four Lady Cats and seven Wildcats, and after a dominating performance by Edmonson's girls, who drew the top seed for the district tournament, the boys took the court for the final district match of the season.

Edmonson County's Dalton Decker needed only 11 points to reach the 1,000 point club for the Wildcats, which came with 5:56 in the third quarter. Edmonson was leading 27-16 when Decker nailed a three pointer. The Wildcats called a 30 second timeout as Decker was recognized and presented the game ball. After being congratulated by coaching staff and teammates, Decker ran the ball over to the stands and gave to his parents. 

Decker said while he knew the milestone was attainable at last night's game, the focus was beating the Cougars.

"Obviously getting 1000 is awesome, it's a great feeling, but coming into the game, it was about Grayson County," he said. Grayson County is who we wanted to beat, and to beat them by the margin we did was awesome. On senior night, too. Everything was great tonight."

Decker said he realized the Grayson County will be seeking revenge when the Cats face them again at their home gym next week for the district tournament.

"It's going to be their home crowd and they're used to their court, but after tonight, they definitely know what to expect and we're going to bring it even harder than we did tonight," he said.

Decker presents the game ball to his parents, Rickey and Tara Decker after his 1000th point.

Edmonson County led 11-9 as the first quarter was winding down but the Cougars took the lead on a last-second half court shot, 12-11 as the quarter expired. The second quarter would be the difference maker as the Wildcats went on a 16-2 run and held a 13 point lead at halftime.

The pace of the game stayed about the same through the second half and the Wildcats went on to win. Decker's 16 points led the Wildcats while Chaz Wilson's 15 points and 11 rebounds also impressed. Mason Pierce added 9 points and 9 rebounds, Nick Clemmons and Eli Booker each added 6 points, and Trent Taylor added 1. 

It was the final home game for seven Wildcat seniors: Decker, Clemmons, Pierce, Booker, Taylor, Luke Meredith, and Houston Vincent. 

Edmonson County will head to Greenwood tonight for the final regular season game of 2019-20. They are scheduled to play the Cougars again in the first round of the District 12 Tournament at Grayson County on Tuesday at approximately 7:45pm.