Edmonson Advances In All A State With Win Over Monroe

Lady Cats Edge Lady Falcons 49-44

Senior Caitlin Simon jumps for the ball against Monroe's Mahala Rich in round one of the All A State Tournament.

Darren Doyle, story: Madison Doyle, photos:
After a slow start in round one of the All A State Classic, the Edmonson County Lady Cats battled back and advanced in a 49-44 win over Monroe County, the defending All A state champs.

Monroe County was hot early and found success with dribble penetration. The Lady Cats, who currently rate #2 in the state in total field goal percentage at 50.1%, were only 4 of 14 from the field during the first and trailed 14-8 after one quarter.

Senior Peyton Martin led EC with 22 points. She is now tied for the #4 spot in all-time scoring for the Lady Cats.

The Lady Falcons scored the first six points of the second quarter and Edmonson County found themselves with a 17-8 deficit with five minutes left in the half. The Lady Cats turned up the defensive pressure and answered with a 10-1 run that tied the game at 18-all with 1:27 to go in the second. After a couple of exchanged buckets, including a layup by Martin to give EC their first lead, Monroe banked in shot at the buzzer to tie the score at 22-22 at halftime.

Senior Katlin Collins puts up a shot against Monroe County.

Monroe County doubled down on Lady Cat leading scorer Caitlin Simon, which held her to 13 points. Peyton Martin filled the scoring void for the second game in a row, leading the Lady Cats with 22 points, including two big three pointers in the third quarter. The Lady Cats led 32-30 going into final quarter.

Coach Kevin Jackson instructs his team during a timeout in the All A State Classic.

The Lady Cats defense once again held the Lady Falcons in the fourth, outscoring them 17-14. Edmonson County hit their free throws during the last minute and a half to hold on for the five-point win.

Coach Kevin Jackson said although the Lady Cats didn't have one of their best performances, being able to win showed what kind of team they really were.

"This team just has something about them, a little talent, a little grit, and they find a way to win. When you play one of your worst games and still win by five, six points, there's something to be said for those kind of kids," he said.

Caitlin Simon puts up a shot against Monroe County's Alayna Hodges (25).

Lauren Ballance goes up against Monroe County at the basket.

Chanley Logsdon fights to keep her dribble against Monroe County in the All A State Classic.

Jackson said he was proud of the fact that the Lady Cats overcame their early deficit, which could have quickly gotten out of hand.

"I felt very fortunate to be tied at the half with the way we played early. We all felt pretty good coming out for the second half."

Martin's performance was big for the second game in a row. Her 22 points tied her for the #4 spot on the all-time Lady Cat scoring list. 

"Peyton Martin hit a couple of big threes there that kind of relaxed everyone there," said Jackson. "Caitlin had good shots, they just didn't go in."

​Jackson also said Martin's confidence is increasing as the season goes on, something that he's been trying to help her with for several months. "She's such a team player that she sees they're trying to stop Caitlin so bad that she has to step up."

In addition to Martin and Simon, Katlin Collins and Chanley Logsdon scored 4 each, while Lauren Ballance and Emma Rose Vincent scored 2 points apiece. 

Edmonson County improves to 18-3 on the season and is scheduled to take on West Carter (17-2) on Friday at 10:30am CST. The game will be available on both audio and video streams from the Edmonson Voice.