Lady Cats Are 2023 District 12 Champions In 50-33 Win Over Butler County

The 2023 Edmonson County Lady Cats with the District 12 Championship Trophy.

Darren Doyle, story: Madison Doyle, photos:
The Edmonson County Lady Cats claimed the District 12 Championship Thursday night after defeating the Butler County Lady Bears 50-33 at ECHS. It is the 7th title in school history and the third under Head Coach Bart Weaver (2019, 2020, 2023).

Coach Weaver laid out a very simple but difficult game plan, which was to hang close in rebounding, keep the turnovers under 15, hit free throws, and try to generate offense in transition. While the transition game wasn't bad, the turnovers were too high, and the free throw shooting was ok (8-13, 62%) Edmonson County found success in old fashioned give-and-goes and pick-and-rolls with senior Lily Jayne Vincent (13 points, 12 rebounds), senior Annie Kiper (13 points, 5 assists), and freshman Cariann Williams (13 points, 19 rebounds, 6 blocks).

Lily Jayne Vincent goes for two against Butler County.

Annie Kiper dribbles around the Butler County defense.

Edmonson County has had little trouble with defense this year, as they are currently ranked 2nd in the state in defense, allowing just 33.5 points per game. They held Butler County to only 9 of 49 shooting (18%) and their second-lowest point total this season. The problem at times has been the Lady Cat offense, with usually only one team member or even less reaching double figures. The last two games, three different players have notched double figures and two accomplishing double-doubles.

The Lady Cats shot 18 of 44 for 41% shooting and was 6 for 18 from behind the arc. Edmonson County also dominated on the boards 44-20.

Cariann Williams puts up a shot against Butler County.

Coach Weaver said the most unique attribute of his team is the way they can prep for, and follow a game plan.

"I could tell they were ready to play way before the game started," he said. "I felt good about it. They knew where shooters were, they knew where (Jenna) Phelps was (15ppg)...and she's a great player. I told her at the end of the game, 'don't hang your head because you're a great player,' but listen, our girls just stuck with the game plan, and man, I love 'em to death."

Phelps finished with 14 points but they all seemed pretty quiet. Butler County failed to score a single field goal in the first quarter as the Lady Cats jumped out to an 11-0 lead. Edmonson led 17-2 at the end of the first and never led by less than 12 for the entire game.

Callie Webb shoots a three-pointer against Butler County.

Emma White fights for a loose ball against Butler County.

Kennadi Swihart dribbles against Butler County.

Jenna Cook shoots a jumper over a Butler County defender.

Riley Roy looks to pass the ball to a teammate against Butler County.

Also scoring for the Lady Cats was Callie Webb with 6, Emma White with 3, and Riley Roy added 2.

It's the first District Championship for the Lady Cats since 2020 and the win gives them a record of 22-7 on the season. They have won five consecutive games and their last 10 out of 11. They will be scheduled to play either Monday or Tuesday night next week in Owensboro in the Region 3 tournament, which will be determined by a draw that will be held on Saturday.