Lady Cats Dominate Butler County, Set School Record, Advance To District Finals

Peyton Martin puts up 2 of her 23 points against Butler County in a 66-38 win.

Darren Doyle, story: Madison Doyle, photos:
If there was ever a "how-to guide" written about what it takes to win a basketball game, last night's match between the Lady Cats and Butler County could easily serve as it's only reference. 

Edmonson County defeated the Lady Bears on their home court in the first round of the District 12 Tournament last night 66-38 where they held the advantage in rebounding, assists, turnovers, shooting percentage, and overall execution. The Lady Cats shot a ridiculous 70% from the field, 87% from the three point line, and 87% from the free throw line.

Edmonson County's focus to start the game was dead on as they jumped out to a 23-9 first quarter lead. They had amassed a 42-17 lead at halftime, which was led by Peyton Martin's 18 point first half effort. She had one more point by herself than all of Butler County at the half. Martin finished with 23 points and 4 assists while hitting all of her foul shots, all of her three pointers, and only missed two from the field all night long.

"It may have been the best half of basketball I've ever been associated with," said Head Coach Kevin Jackson. "Gosh, you have to give the kids all the credit in the world. They came to play and we talked about it. We only have one senior and we talked about prolonging the season so Maddie (Cline) can play another week, and by-George they sure did it."

Caitlin Simon shoots over Butler County in round one of the district tournament.

Caitlin Simon finished with 20 points and 4 rebounds. She hit 10 of 10 from the free throw line. The remaining box score was Collins 8, Lewis 6, Cline 3, Alexander 2, Ballance 2, Vincent 2.

The Lady Cats will take on Grayson County Thursday night at 7pm for the district championship at Butler County High School. The girls have not won the title since 1998, also under Kevin Jackson.

Jackson spoke of what it will take to defeat the Lady Cougars.

"We've got to find a way to make some baskets early. We went cold at their place (in an earlier loss) shooting the basketball. If we shoot it half as good as we did tonight, it ought to be a dandy on Thursday night," he said.

Last night's win also set a milestone for Edmonson County Lady Cat Basketball. The team set a new school record for the most amount of wins during a season with 23, as they improved to 23-7 on the season. 

The Wildcats are scheduled to take on Trinity at 6pm in tonight's first round matchup of boys' action. The WildcatsLive crew will have the pregame show of the live action starting around 5:50pm. It's also "E Jacket Night." All current and former ECHS alumni with E Jackets are asked to wear them, no matter how old or what style, in support of the Wildcats.