Three Pointers, Size From Greenwood Too Much For Wildcats

Senior Bailey Board goes for 2 of his 21 points in a 68-58 loss against Greenwood.

Darren Doyle story,
Madison Doyle, photos:
The scouting report on the Greenwood Gators showed that they would likely try to take advantage of their size and three point shooting. Nothing could have been more accurate in the 68-58 Wildcat loss as the Gators utilized their 6'9" center in the post and nailed 10 out of 26 from behind the arc.

Although the Wildcats were occasionally out of defensive position and allowed a few open threes, something Coach Mike McClintic said would be a key factor going into the game, there's simply not much you can do when your opponent is knocking down long-range shots that are heavily contested.

"Sometimes you just can't defend that," said assistant coach Bart Weaver. "Overall, I thought we did a pretty good job of getting out there (on the three). There were a few times when we left somebody open, but you have to give them credit, man. They just shot the ball and they weren't bashful from anywhere."

Edmonson County shot 4 from 19 from three (21%) compared to Greenwood's 38%. The other major factor in the loss was the rebounding deficit where Greenwood held a 40-25 advantage, 15 of which were offensive rebounds for the Gators that led to 18 second-chance points. The Wildcats only grabbed 6 offense rebounds that resulted in just a single point.

Senior Iszic Blankenship puts up a shot against Greenwood's Alex Fee (44).

A bright spot for the Wildcats was senior Bailey Board who led the Cats with 21 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds. Board bounced back big time from the previous two games where he scored a combined total of 8 points in both contests.

"This was Bailey's best offensive game of the year, by far," said Weaver. "He'd lost some confidence and struggled a little bit, but we had a great walk-through (practice) today and he shot lights out and had a great bounce about him. We're really glad Bailey turned it around tonight and played like we expect him to play."

Caleb Skaggs puts up a shot against two Greewood defenders.

Iszic Blankenship had a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds and Caleb Skaggs added 11 points. Also helping the Wildcat effort was Daniel Caudill with 6 points, Logan Lindsey had 2, and Brayden Carey scored 1.

The Wildcats are still looking for their first win of the year as they drop to 0-4. They are scheduled to travel to Larue County on December 13 in a JV/V contest beginning at 5:30pm. There will be no game broadcast. The Wildcats and Lady Cats are slated for G/B doubleheaders on Thursday at Barren County and away against Metcalfe County on Friday.