Skaggs Scores 30 In Win Over Grayson County

Caleb Skaggs goes for two of his 30 points in a victory over Grayson County at ECHS.

Darren Doyle, story and photos
The Edmonson County Wildcats remain an undefeated 4-0 in 12th district play with a 65-58 win over Grayson County last night at ECHS led by junior Caleb Skaggs' 30 points.

The gym was packed last night as folks came out to see the girl/boy doubleheader as well as a 1976 State Championship ceremony that honored the 40th anniversary team. Sophomore Lady Cat Caitlin Simon scored her 1000th point during the girls game earlier, and the boys game would be even more exciting as Skaggs' 8 three pointers came one shy of a school record (9) for the boys team, set by Brett Meredith during the 2000-01 season. The record was also tied by Lady Cat Jennifer Slaughter in the mid 90's.

A sluggish start for the Cats in the first quarter was quickly turned around as Edmonson County was able to limit their turnovers later in the game.

"We didn't start out very well tonight, and we all know that," said assistant Coach Bart Weaver. "I thought the biggest difference tonight was that we had seven turnovers in the first quarter but we settled down and only had 12 total turnovers. Against a team like Grayson County, we'll take those numbers all day long."

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The Wildcats began the 2nd quarter facing a 12-5 deficit, but Skaggs, who was able to heat up quickly after coming off the bench, scored 8 in the quarter as Edmonson County cut the Grayson County lead to 23-22 at the half.

Grayson County continued to hold a point or two advantage until 4:08 left in the third when Hunter Buttram missed a three point shot but was able to grab his own rebound and score a bucket with a foul. He made the free throw to give the Wildcats their first lead of the game, 33-32.

Skaggs scored the next 8 Wildcat points on a basket and two more three pointers to give Edmonson County a 41-36 lead with 2:10 in the third. Skaggs hit yet another 3 with time winding down in the third to give the Cats a 49-42 lead to start the fourth.

The Wildcats extended their lead to as much as 11 midway through the fourth and held on to win 65-58.

"It feels amazing to beat Grayson County again," Skaggs said. "That puts us 4-0 in the district, and nobody thought we'd be here." 

Skaggs gave much credit to his team as he scored a career-high, 30 points. "After I hit my first two or three I knew it was going to be a good night. My teammates saw that and kept getting me the ball in great positions."

Austin "Cuban" Sowders leads the huddle as the Wildcats get fired up before the game.

Hunter Buttram was another Wildcat in double figures with 13 points. "Tonight was Caleb's night and he was amazing," Buttram said. "It's great to beat Grayson County once already, but twice is an incredible achievement for us. That's only one goal we've achieved this year, the next one is to win the district."

Austin Sowders also helped the effort with 10 points of his own, all coming in the second half. He credited this season's success, especially within the district, to total team play. "We always have someone step up every night," he said. "Big shout out to one of my brothers, Caleb Skaggs tonight, for the way he played tonight."

Bailey Board also had 8 points while Cole and Blankenship each had 2. The Wildcats improve to 12-8 on the season and will now face Metcalfe County on the road next Tuesday in a girl/boy doubleheader. Girls tip off is scheduled for 6pm. You can listen to the game live on WildcatsLive, only on EdmonsonVoice.com.