Spainhoward's Three Forces Overtime: Lady Cats Win First Round In Region Over McLean

Addison Spainhoward (23) celebrates with the ECHS cheerleaders after defeating McLean County in overtime on March 2, 2026.

Peytin Manor, story: Gabe DeArmond, photos:
The Lady Cats came out on top against the McLean County Lady Cougars in overtime (53-43) in the first round of the 3rd Region Tournament. This is the first regional win for the Lady Cats basketball team since 2018. 

Winning the opening tip-off, the Lady Cats immediately pushed the tempo, setting the tone for the entire game. It was clear that neither team planned to give an inch, and by the midpoint of the first quarter, it had already turned into a neck-to-neck race with Edmonson leading 11-10.

After an intense opening quarter, the Lady Cats carried the momentum into the second quarter, keeping pace with the Lady Cougars. Cariann Williams (#30) sparked the offense early in the quarter knocking down a key basket to keep the momentum pumping. Moments later, Haley Sanders (#4) took a charge by McLean's Ella Larkin (#2), forcing an automatic turnover. Cariann (#30) answered again with another score. 

Shelby Sowders (#50) came up with a steal and quickly dished the ball out to Jocelyn Decker (#32), though the Lady Cats were unable to convert as a possession. McLean tightened their man-to-man defense, applying pressure that led to several turnovers. Bentley Wagner (#11) intercepted a pass from the Lady Cat offense and finished with a breakaway layup. In the final minute of the first half, McLean increased defensive pressure, implementing a press that caused Lady Cat turnovers. McLean led at the half 22-24. 

Coming out of halftime trailing 25-22, Edmonson looked to be losing momentum with multiple players in foul trouble. Cariann Williams (#30) helps the Lady Cats regain their spark when she powerfully blocked a layup attempts by the Lady Cougars.

The Lady Cats trailed the Lady Cougars until Addison Spainhoward (#23) drained a contested three-pointer from NBA range to tie the ball game (43-43) with seven seconds left on the clock. McLean County was unable to get a shot off as they were forced into overtime. 

​The final minutes of overtime became a game of consistency as Edmonson County went to the foul line six times, making every foul shot. Cariann Williams (#30) made the final shot of the game with 19.7 seconds left to go.

The Lady Cats held the Lady Cougars scoreless in overtime.

Carrian Williams (#30) led the Lady Cats with 21 points and 8 rebounds. Shelby Sowders (#50) scored 10 points with 7 rebounds. Addison Spainhoward (#23) scored 10 points and 2 rebounds. Haley Sanders (#4) scored 7 points. Jocelyn Decker (#32) scored 5 points.

​Edmonson County improves to 21-8 on the season and will face Owensboro Catholic on Friday for the region semifinals.