Lady Cats Win On Final Home Game, Prepare For District Tournament Next Week

Macie McCombs fights through contact from Muhlenburg's Maddie Vinson.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
The Edmonson County Lady Cats notched a 57-47 win against the Lady Mustangs of Muhlenburg County last night in the final home game of the 2020-21 season at ECHS. It was a much needed win for the Lady Cats who have struggled late in the season; losing nine games out of their last ten until last night. 

Although out-rebounded 40-28 by the Lady Mustangs and committing 18 turnovers, Edmonson County shot 51% from the field and held Muhlenburg to only 25% shooting, which proved to be the difference. Coach Bart Weaver said the win was crucial going into the District 12 Tournament, which begins Monday night. 

"Finishing this game tonight was big for our girls," he said. "I told them after the game that we'll have to shore up a couple of areas, which are rebounding and passing. They pounded us on the boards tonight and we had way too many turnovers, yet won anyway."

Katie Lindsey puts up a shot over Muhlenburg County.

Senior Katie Lindsey led the Lady Cats with 25 points, 6 steals, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and a blocked shot. 

"We've been really working hard to get some momentum to get ready for Grayson County," she said. "We've been trying to get better and play well for all four quarters. Everything with this virus has hurt our momentum, but we knew we had to have a win tonight, so we pulled it together and we did."

Lindsey said while the emotions were high for her last home game, it's now time to put all the focus on Grayson County, who will meet the Lady Cats in the first round of the district tournament.

"I'm ready for them. I love playing them and love the atmosphere when we play. They're talking a lot of smack so let's see if they can back it up," said Lindsey.

Senior Macie McCombs also discussed the much-needed win.

"We've been on a losing streak and we knew we needed to win this one," she said. "We told everybody to fight tonight, and they fought."

When asked about preparing for Grayson County on Monday night, she said it will take a complete, 100% effort.

"We have to give it all we have. We want the 4-peat. We want to win, to upset Grayson, we want to win it, everybody wants it."

Seventh grader Cariann Williams scores her first two varsity points against Muhlenburg County, March 11, 2021.

Until this season, Senior Shea VanMeter saw limited playing time, but she's been a leader and important role player on this year's team. She said last night's win was crucial.

"We knew we needed this win. We need momentum going into Monday because it's such a big game. Grayson County just expects to win and they don't really think it's a big deal we beat them earlier in the year at their place, but they'll be just as hungry as we are, we'll just have to be more." 

Coach Bart Weaver goes over plays during a timeout.

The remaining box score for Edmonson County was Vincent 9, Simon 8, McCombs 7, VanMeter 2, Cassady 2, Wolfe 2, Williams 2.

Coach Weaver said the team discussed the importance of the win as part of the preparation for next week.

"It meant a lot to the seniors as it was the last game they'll ever play here, but I think in the mindset of the whole team, a loss tonight would've been really tough with Grayson next week," he said. "We have two days to prepare and we feel good about our matchups. We're going to be watching film and breaking it down. Our girls will get ready for Grayson."

The girls will take on Grayson County in round one of the tournament on Monday, with a 7:30PM tip scheduled at host school Whitesville-Trinity. The Edmonson Voice will stream the game live on video and audio with the pregame show starting around 7:15PM.