Lady Cats Can't Overcome Early Deficit In District Championship

Butler County Wins 49-26

Annie Kiper drives the lane against Butler County in the District 12 Tournament.

Darren Doyle, story: Madison Doyle photos:
Edmonson County didn't get off on the right foot in the first quarter of the 12th District Championship game against Butler County, hosted at Butler County last night, as the Lady Bears claimed the title, 49-26.

Butler County started the game with three unanswered three-pointers and a free throw for a 10-0 start. The Lady Cats didn't get on the board until Hallie Cassady's put-back from a missed Lady Cat free throw with 1:40 to go in the first quarter. Butler County led 15-4 going into the second.

Points from offensive rebounds by Butler County and turnovers from the Lady Cats contributed to a 27-13 lead at the half.

Cariann Williams blocks a shot against Butler County's Gracie Cardwell.

Lily Jayne Vincent dribbles against a Butler County defender.

Paige Wolfe puts up a shot against Butler County.

Coach Bart Weaver said he thought his team had trouble handling the emotion of a big game early on and it hindered them from any offensive rhythm in the first quarter.

"We were just shell-shocked, I think to begin with," he said. "They shot us out of our zone quick, and they're pretty good at man-to-man, when you play them man-to-man, and that's why we normally don't. But when you get down like that you have to. But I thought we kept playing hard. Our kids always played hard and I take pride in that, just, the better team won tonight."

The Lady Cats were held to only 5 more points during the third quarter as Butler County (25-3) cruised to win their first district championship since 1993.

Edmonson County was led by junior guard Annie Kiper, who had 9 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists. Hallie Cassady had 5 points and 4 rebounds, Paige Wolfe had 4 points and 3 rebounds, Cariann Williams had 4 points, 1 rebound, and 5 blocked shots. Lily Jayne Vincent added 2 points and 6 rebounds and Jenna Cook added 2 points and a rebound.

Weaver also noted that while they were continually trying to dig out of a hole, the girls didn't give up and fought until the end.

"It makes me proud of them," he said. "I kept telling them in the timeouts, 'we're not gonna quit, we're not gonna quit.' So, I'm proud of them. Like I told them in there a minute ago, nobody thought we'd be in the finals. With our season, you know? And I understand that, and man, they gutted that win against Whitesville the other night, and that's something to always hold onto, and you've got to get to the district final, because a lot of teams don't."

The girls are now set to travel to Owensboro next week to play in the Region 3 tournament at the Sports Center either Monday or Tuesday. Their first game will be determined in the draw on Saturday.