Greenwood Overcomes Edmonson, 68-53

Logan Minton puts up a shot against a Greenwood defender.

Wildcats Drop Last Regular Season Game, Now Focus On District Tournament

Darren Doyle, story: Madison Doyle, photos:
The Greenwood Gators gave the Wildcats all sorts of trouble in their last regular season game of the year as Edmonson County fell 68-53. 

Greenwood was hot early, knocking down three, 3-pointers in the first quarter. Edmonson County found themselves down by 12 points in the first but began their way back with a 16-5 run that extended into the second quarter that brought them within one point at 22-21. Greenwood scored the next 6 points and took a 28-21 lead into the locker room at halftime.

Dylan Elmore fires a three-pointer against Greenwood.

Although Edmonson County pulled 27 team rebounds, it was no comparison to Greenwood's 43 team rebounds which helped the Gators hold the Wildcats to only 8 second chance points. Another big Greenwood third quarter extended the Gator lead to 45-32, and despite 53% three-point shooting from the Wildcats, they were outscored by the Gators 17-11 during the quarter.

Edmonson County hung with Greenwood in the fourth but the deficit was too much to overcome as the Gators claimed the win.

Dylan Elmore connected on 5 of 7 three-pointers for 15 points. Logan Minton added 8, J.T. Vincent score 7, Logan Lindsey and Mason Pierce each scored 5, Tucker Cole, Brayden Carey, and Griffin Spainhoward each scored 3, while John Potter and Dalton Decker each added 2. 

Logan Lindsey drives the lane against Greenwood.

"We felt good coming out after halftime, but we didn't back it up in the third quarter," said Assistant Coach Bart Weaver.

He credited Greenwood for their hot shooting early and rebounding, but quickly began discussing what will be the next focus; the district 12 tournament where the Wildcats have the first opportunity to win back-to-back championships since 1974 and 1975. If so, Edmonson County will have to defeat Trinity for a third straight time this year in round one.

"It's exciting," he said. "Normally, when you say you have to play the number one seed, you say good things, but deep down in your mind, you're really worried about it. We're worried about this game just like any other game, but we've beat them twice. People say you can't beat a team three times, but we beat Butler County four times last year."

Weaver said it will take a great game and one with intensity but also discussed what it will really take to advance to the finals.

"It's going to be just like every other game we've played in the district, it's going to be a dogfight. It's going to be who executes better, and down the stretch, you have to hit your free throws to win."