Lady Cats Win Big In First Round Of Caveland Classic

Darren Doyle, story
Laney Meredith, photos
Play four basketball games in six days, add everything that comes with a Christmas holiday, throw in only one practice, and then you'll be in the same situation as the Lady Cats were in last night as they defeated Caldwell County 69-36 in the first round of the Rafferty's/Double Dogs Caveland Classic, hosted by Edmonson County.

Before the game, Coach Kevin Jackson said, "I told the girls that tonight, we're going to have to have energy and enthusiasm. Nobody ever did anything good without having enthusiasm."

It didn't seem to be hard to find, as the Lady Cats came out with strong defense, forced tons of turnovers, and jumped out to an 18-10 lead after the first.

The Lady Cats never really had anything to worry about as they were able to continue creating space from the Lady Tigers, leading 38-16 at the half. Edmonson County extended the lead to 57-30 after three, which allowed several younger Lady Cats to see some playing time in the fourth as the Lady Cats went on to win by 33 points.

Sophomore guards Peyton Martin and Caitlin Simon were able to continually drive the lane and get easy layups throughout the contest. Simon led the way for the Lady Cats with 26 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. Martin also added 21 points of her own with 4 assists and helped dismantle the Lady Tiger press time and time again.

"I think we're getting better everyday," Jackson said. "The kids are starting to learn what we want them to do, and they're great kids. I'd heard that before I came over here (to coach) and they are, they're super kids and fun to coach."

Also helping in the Edmonson County win was Jhonna Basil with 4 points and 4 rebounds, Madelyn Taylor with 6 points, Kaitlyn Collins with 4 points, Skylar Lewis with 3, Tori Browning with 2 points and 5 rebounds, and Hannah Meredith and Madison Harrison each had two, while Lauren Ballance added one.

The Lady Cats will face Bardstown tonight at 7:15 in round two. "They're very athletic," Jackson added. "If you let'em beat you on the boards, press you, and trap you, then they'll give you fits, so we've got some things we'll be working on in our shoot around tomorrow night before the game."

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