Lady Cats Crush Grayson County 63-32

Edmonson Gets Top Seed For District Tournament

Lauren Ballance goes for two of her 13 points against Grayson County on senior night.

Darren Doyle, story: Alyssa Doyle, photo:
The Edmonson County Lady Cats were ready when they took the court Thursday night in a heated district rivalry against Grayson County in a dominating 63-32 win as they jumped out to a big start and never looked back.

It was senior night at ECHS and four Lady Cats were recognized for their years of service to the team: Lauren Ballance, Emma Rose Vincent, Madison Harrison, and Mia Goad. Goad, who has been out with an injury since the 4th game of the season, started the contest even though she wasn't officially cleared to play. The teams agreed to allow Mia to start and score a basket for ceremonial purposes and in exchange, the Lady Cats allowed Grayson a basket on their end. After the buckets were traded, Goad was replaced by Macie McCombs and the contest continued at normal pace.

The Lady Cats led 13-4 after the first quarter and had amassed a 20-point lead at the half. Edmonson County wiped the boards clean with what could be a school record for the Lady Cats in team rebounds for one game--an astounding number of 48. Coach Bart Weaver said their game plan was executed perfectly.

"The last two days we've had really good preparation. Hats off to my girls," he said. "You know, they executed tonight and it was one of those games, where you know, I don't know if you could ever look out there and say that somebody didn't play well. You know what I'm saying? Man, we've been waiting for that. It happened against Grayson and that makes it even sweeter."

In addition to the joy of defeating a rival on senior night, the win tied Edmonson and Grayson's district record. It was also the first district loss of the season for the Lady Cougars. A drawing was held immediately after the game to see who would take the top seed, which went in Edmonson County's favor. 

The Lady Cats shot 48% from the field, 60% behind the three-point line, and had four players in double figures.

Edmonson was led with Ballance's 13 points and 14 rebounds, Emma Rose Vincent had 12 points and 6 rebounds, Katie Lindsey  had 11 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds, Macie McCombs added 11 points and 7 rebounds, Shea VanMeter added 6 points, Madison Harrison had 4 points and 9 rebounds, Mia Goad had 2, Paige Wolfe had 2, and Maham Shahbaz also added 2. 

"Sometimes in the past, you might have a little doubt about playing Grayson, but tonight, I'm telling you, those girls thought they were gonna beat them, went out and executed, and did a good job," said Weaver. 

The win was also revenge for Edmonson County, who lost a double digit lead on the road at Grayson County in the fourth game of the season where the Lady Cats lost 66-56.

The Lady Cats travel to Greenwood tonight for the final regular game of the season with a 6pm scheduled tip off. They are then scheduled to take on Whitesville-Trinity in the first round of the District 12 Tournament on Monday night at 6pm, which will be hosted at Grayson County.