Warriors Outlast Wildcats Despite 35 Points From Highbaugh

Cats Fall 72-70 To Southwestern

Braxton Highbaugh puts up a shot against Southwestern in his 35 point, 6 rebound performance on December 21, 2022.

Darren Doyle, story: Madison Doyle, photos:
It went all the way down to the wire at Edmonson County High School in the first night of games at the Rafferty's/Double Dogs Caveland Classic as the Wildcats took on the Southwestern Warriors (in Pulaski County, Somerset).

It was a career night for Edmonson County senior Braxton Highbaugh, who put up 35 points and grabbed 6 rebounds, but the Warriors were able to capitalize on some timely turnovers in the second half, turning those mistakes into points.

Layne Ashley drives the lane against Southwestern.

Southwestern jumped out to an 11-0 lead to start the game as the Wildcats struggled to put the ball in the basket; however, they went on a 15-7 run to end the first quarter, trailing 18-15. Edmonson County clawed their way through the second quarter and trailed 39-37 at halftime.

The Warriors led 58-55 going into the final quarter. While the Wildcats cut the lead to one point on multiple occasions, that would be as close as they would get. They had one final opportunity to tie or win as they trailed 72-70 with 8.4 seconds left but a three-point attempt at the buzzer fell just short and the Warriors held on for the win.

In addition to Highbaugh's performance, Will Alexander added 17 points, Braden Wall had 10 points and 10 rebounds, Zander Bass had 4 points, and Layne Ashley added one point.

Edmonson County falls to 6-3 on the season and is scheduled to take on Taylor County at 1PM at ECHS for the final day of the Caveland Classic. The Lady Cats will play Metcalfe County immediately afterwards.