Martin Pours In 33 Points While Joining The 1000 Point Club In Huge Overtime Win Over Grayson County

Peyton Martin drives against Grayson County in a 33 point performance that led the Lady Cats to a 72-64 overtime win.

Darren Doyle, story: Madison Doyle, photos:
After a lackluster performance in Tuesday's loss to Breckinridge County on the road, junior guard Peyton Martin knew that she'd have to bounce back quickly in order to do her part against district rival Grayson County three days later. 

Martin was held scoreless by the Lady Tigers earlier in the week, which is not good for the Lady Cats considering she is the team's second leading scorer at 14 points per game. 

All memory of Tuesday's loss was erased on Friday night as Martin went on a tear, leading Edmonson County to a thrilling 72-64 overtime win at ECHS, while scoring her 1000th point in the process.

"I knew I didn't play the best I could've on Tuesday," she said. "Tonight was a big district home game and I knew how important it was that I played the best I could. I was really focused on this game."

Peyton Martin shoots a free throw that would be her 1000th point as an Edmonson County Lady Cat.

It was no trouble to see just how focused she was, as she led the offense, shot 11/15 from the field, (3/5 three point line), 8/9 from the free throw line; while she grabbed 6 rebounds, had two steals, and dished out one assist.

The game was intense from the start as Grayson County grabbed an early 14-13 lead after one, but the Lady Cats went on a hot streak in the second quarter and took a 30-22 lead at halftime. 

Grayson County fought back in the third and eventually took a 42-40 lead. Martin was fouled on a drive to the basket and knocked down two free throws to score her 1000th point, while tying the game at 42 all with 6 minutes left in the fourth.

Smothering defense by the Lady Cats forced two quick turnovers on the Lady Cougars in the final minute as Edmonson County was able to grab a 57-54 lead with 40 seconds to go, thanks to Katlin Collins two big free throws. 

Grayson County managed to tie the score at 57 all, giving the Lady Cats the ball underneath the Lady Cougar basket with 14 seconds left. Edmonson County drove the length of the floor as it was Martin again with a drive and a bucket to give the Lady Cats the 59-57 lead with 8 seconds to go.

Grayson County did the exact same thing on their end, hitting a layup with only two seconds left and the Lady Cats were not able to get off a shot as the game went into overtime.

Edmonson County took control of the overtime period and went on to win by eight.

Martin was presented the game ball after the contest, which commemorated her 1000th point.

"It feels awesome! I never imagined this happening," she said on reaching the milestone. "I have to thank God and my teammates for helping me achieve this."

Coach Kevin Jackson had plenty of positive things to say about the hard-fought battle from his players.

"I'm so proud of these girls," he said. "Before the game we talked about having fun and playing with confidence like they used to do in little league, and I think they did tonight."

Jackson spoke about Martin's big night.

"Tuesday night at Breckinridge County, Peyton Martin had zero points, one of the worst games of her career," he said. "Some kids would pout about it and come back and have another bad game tonight and Grayson beats us 20 points. That kid (Martin), had more determination than ever, and that left hand came in handy tonight."

Caitlin Simon had an impressive night herself, going for 21 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3 assists. She hit all 7 of her free throws. The Lady Cats shot an amazing 26/29 from the foul line, for a total of 90%.

The remaining box score was Lewis 8, Collins 6, Logsdon 4.
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The Lady Cats are now 12-5 on the season and are scheduled to hit the road tomorrow for Cloverport as they compete in the All A Classic at 6pm.

Tonight's victory against Grayson County is the Lady Cats' second win over the Lady Cougars since 2003.

"Beating your biggest rival is a huge deal," said Martin. "Doing it on my home court is icing on the cake. It feels great."