Lady Cat Caitlin Simon Receives All Region Honors, Coach Jackson Named Coach of the Year

Coach Jackson stands with the First Team All-Region Three team.

Darren Doyle, story: Jerika Simon, photos:
Lady Cat junior guard Caitlin Simon was named to the First Team All-Third Region today at the Region 3 Tournament finals at the Owensboro Sportscenter. In addition, she was also named to the All-Third Region Tournament team. Simon scored 34 points in the first round loss to Muhlenberg County.

Head Coach Kevin Jackson was also honored during today's final as he was named Owensboro Messenger/Inquirer Region 3 Coach of the Year, which was voted on by 15 Third Region Coaches.

Since Jackson's return to Edmonson County last season, the Lady Cats have compiled an overall record of 40-22.

Coach Jackson said he was humbled by the Coach of the Year award.

"Awards always mean more when they are voted on by your peers.  I'm really honored and want to share these awards with a great bunch of assistant coaches," he said. "Our staff is like one big family.  Speaking of family, I also want to thank my wife Debbie, our kids and grandkids for letting me spend so much time at EC coaching. Running a successful program is a total team effort."

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Coach Kevin Jackson and Caitlin Simon display their Region 3 awards.

Simon was also named to the Region 3 All-Tournament Team.

Jackson also credited Simon for her growth as a player and discussed how he was happy for her accomplishments.

"Last year Caitlin made second team all region as a sophomore, so it was great to see her take that next step this season and be voted first team.  I'm sure she would give her teammates a lot of credit for helping her reach this goal."  

Jackson also said that Caitlin has worked very hard to improve her game.  She ended the season averaging 21.2 points per game and moved into third place on the all-time scoring list for Lady Cat Basketball.

"We look forward to what the future holds for Caitlin and the returning Lady Cats," said Jackson.

Caitlin said that this season started out with a lot of question after losing lots of senior experience.

"We had confidence in Coach Jackson and this team and our abilities along with (senior) Maddie (Cline) stepping up this year," she said. "They led us to the best season of basketball I've ever gotten to play. I love playing for Coach Jackson, I admire his drive and determination in making us a fundamentally sound and hard working team. I'm really excited to see what next season holds.

Coach Jackson and her teammates weren't the only ones she credited.

"I'm thankful that God has given me the ability to play the game that I love and blessed to stay fairly healthy this far."

Also, Coach Jackson is scheduled to accept the KABC or Kentucky Association of Basketball Coaches 3rd Region Girls' Coach of the Year on Friday, March 10th at the Girls State Tournament being held at Northern Kentucky University.