Solid Effort Falls Short Against McLean as Wildcats Fall In All A Classic

Braden Wall (22) fights for a rebound against McLean County.

Darren Doyle, story: Alyssa Doyle, photos:
The Wildcats laid it all out there last night in the All A Classic in Whitesville against a very tough McLean County team, but their effort landed just a bit short as they were defeated by the Cougars 43-33.

The low-scoring contest was a reflection of the Wildcat defense that held McLean County 20-plus points under their average. The Cougars are normally a high-traffic team that pushes their offense up the floor but Edmonson County did their best to take them out of their routine. The Cougars were still able to best the Wildcats despite the adjustment.

Tyler Anderson reaches for a rebound against McLean County.

The very quick and physical Cougars held the Wildcats to just 5 points in the first quarter and only 12 points for the half as Edmonson County struggled to make shots early. Edmonson County shot 25% for the game on 12 for 47 from the field. McLean shot 45% on 17 of 40. No Wildcat landed in double figures last night; however, they out-rebounded the Cougars 31-22 and held their leading scorer, Brady Dame, a fifth-year senior (15.3ppg) to 9 points.

The Wildcats played pretty evenly against the Cougars after the first quarter; however they weren't able to overcome the early deficit. Coach Brad Johnson said there were several areas where the Cats could've done better but there was certainly no shortage of effort.

Braxton Highbaugh brings the ball up for the Wildcats.

Evan Stice puts up a shot against McLean County.

Trace Taylor drives to the basket against McLean County.

"When we got some guys having some off nights, you gotta be a man and go out and play better," he said. "But I asked 'is anybody seeing lack of effort?' and everybody said no, because everybody was playing hard."

He said some nights, you just have to credit the other team.

"It's the best defensive team we've played all year," he said. "We had three good days of preparation, good enthusiasm I thought, and we came over here to win this thing and the attitude was good, but sometimes you just gotta give the other guys credit. They just kinda out played us and man-handled us a little bit."

Trace Taylor led the Cats in scoring with 8pts along with his 5 rebounds. Braden Wall added 7pts and 10 rebounds, Evan Stice had 6pts, Cole Saling added 4pts, Braxton Highbaugh had 3pts and 9rebs, Tyler Anderson added 3pts, and Jarrett Prunty added 2 points.

Edmonson County falls to 7-7 on the season and is currently scheduled to take on Breckinridge at home on Thursday, weather permitting.

The Lady Cats will travel back to Whitesville tonight for the All A Classic Championship game against Owensboro Catholic.