Lady Cats Hang On Over Trinity To Advance To District Finals

Edmonson Wins 38-27

Emma Rose Vincent fights Trinity's Katherine Hibbit for a rebound.

Darren Doyle, story: Alyssa Doyle, photos:
It wasn't the prettiest win of the season, but the Lady Cats of Edmonson County overcame poor shooting and sloppy play at times to defeat Whitesville-Trinity 38-27.

Edmonson County took down the Lady Raiders for the third time this season tonight, something that's difficult for any team to do. The win also guarantees that the Lady Cats' season will continue, win or lose at Thursday night's district finals, in the Region 3 tournament next week in Owensboro.

No stats from the Lady Cats were outstanding, but Edmonson County was able to figure out a way to keep it together defensively, out-rebound the Lady Raiders, and show composure and poise in the final quarter as Trinity tried to mount a comeback. 

Edmonson County's defense held Trinity's leading scorer Cassidy Morris to only 12 points. Morris is ranked 15th in the state in scoring at 22 points per game.  

Junior guard Katie Lindsey goes for two of her 16 points against Trinity.

Lindsey led the Lady Cats in scoring with 16 points. While no other Edmonson player hit double figures, it was enough to help secure the win. Coach Bart Weaver said he was actually glad the game wasn't as smooth or as easy as some might have wanted it.

"Some people may think I'm crazy but I'm glad we just didn't come in here and things go really easy," he said. "This was a tough contest for us. We survived. That's about all you can say, but I think it puts us in a good position to play for the championship on Thursday night. We've got our eyes on the prize." 

Weaver's plan was to out rebound Trinity, which they did, and contain Morris, which they did as well. Edmonson County held Trinity to a season-low point total of only 27.

"That was huge," said Weaver. "We were counting on our defense and to hold her to only 12 points, that was key in this game."

Madison Harrison puts up a shot against Whitesville-Trinity.

At times, the officiating was questionable for both teams--and it's something that continues to be a problem for area schools; at least for some of those in the third region. 

With 54.1 seconds to play and Edmonson County leading 35-27, junior guard Katie Lindsey went to the line for a 1-and-1. All the Lady Cats had left the lane area and had gone to the back court, leaving only the Lady Raiders and Lindsey available for the potential rebound. Lindsey missed the shot and a Trinity player grabbed the ball, but an official blew the whistle and motioned for another shot from Lindsey. The Trinity bench and fan sections were livid because the ball should've been live but an official stopped the play. All three officials gathered to discuss the situation and after a few seconds, a jump ball was called as a result of none of the three officials knowing that the foul shots were 1-and-1, not two shots. The possession arrow pointed towards Edmonson so the Lady Cats got the ball back. Something that should've never happened. Officials aren't perfect, and no one should expect them to be; however, three officials in the same game can't miss a call like this in a district tournament game.

While it wasn't likely that the officials' error changed the outcome of the game, it's not guaranteed, and it's something that simply can't happen in a high school district tournament. Three officials in a district tournament were simply not paying attention to the game--all at the same time. While the Edmonson Voice makes a continuous effort to report objectively, most would agree that high school basketball needs better standards and more accountability for officiating. Coach Weaver has never blamed a loss on an official in any interview with the Edmonson Voice; however, he briefly noted the mistake made in tonight's game, even though it went in his team's favor.

"That type of thing can't happen in a district tournament, period." he said. "You got three guys that missed it and that just shouldn't ever happen, but that's all I'll say about it." 

Madison Harrison had 6 points and 6 rebounds, Emma Rose Vincent had 5 points and 8 rebounds, Macie McCombs had 5 points and 4 rebounds, Lily Jayne Vincent had 4 points and 4 rebounds, and Lauren Ballance had 2 points and 5 rebounds.

Edmonson County will face Grayson County in the District 12 finals on Thursday night at 7PM in a rematch of Friday's game where the Lady Cats blew out the Lady Cougars at home 63-32. The Lady Cats have the chance to become the first girls' basketball team at ECHS to win back-to-back-to-back district titles, and only the second group in school history to accomplish the feat. It was done only once, and by the boys' 1973, '74, and '75 teams.