Wildcats Beat Hancock For Sixth Consecutive Win

Dalton Decker goes for 2 of his 20 points against Hancock County.

Darren Doyle, story: Alyssa Doyle, photos:
The winning continued Saturday night for the Edmonson County Wildcats as they fought off the comeback effort from the Hancock County Hornets and won their sixth game in a row, 67-60. The teams battled each other at a neutral site, which was the Owensboro Sportscenter. 

Edmonson County got off to a good start as they knocked down some early shots and took a 17-10 lead after the first quarter. Turnovers plagued the Wildcats in the second quarter and the Hornets bounced back as they outscored the Cats 15-8, thanks to some hot three-point shooting from Hancock to tie the score at 25-25 at the half.

Chaz Wilson puts up a shot over a Hancock defender.

The Wildcats had much better defense in the third quarter, which not only hindered Hancock County's three-pointers, but they also closed off back door lanes and the paint, which forced turnovers against the Hornets. Edmonson County was able to convert in transition and regained the lead, 39-31 going into the fourth.

Hancock County wasn't going away anytime soon and their defensive efforts were turned up several notches as they caused the Cats to force shots and get out of their rhythm. Hancock was able to put together a 10-2 run that tied the score at 41 each with 4:27 to play.

Edmonson County stepped it up once again and finished out the quarter on an 18-8 run, hitting free throws in the final two minutes (81% for the game). The Wildcats out-rebounded the Hornets 30-18 and kept their turnovers down to only 10. 

The Wildcats had three players in double figures: Dalton Decker, (20pts 9 rebounds) Chaz Wilson (12pts 9 rebounds), and Daniel Woosley (10pts 3 rebounds). 

Eli Booker had 8 points and 2 rebounds, Nick Clemmons had 7 points and 6 rebounds, Gavin Rose added 3 points and 1 rebound.

"It took everything we had to win, 'cause like we always say after a game, we do some crazy things that makes the game interesting for a while, but I'm proud of the way they hung together, they pulled it out, played good defense, and took care of the ball when we had to," said Coach Mike McClintic.

While the team has individuals capable of putting up big numbers at times, Coach Mac said he'd rather see multiple players in the scorebook because that's when his team seems to have the most success.

"That means they're sharing the ball and it means (the opponent) can't just concentrate on one guy. That's huge for us."

Edmonson County is now 9-10 on the season and is scheduled to take on Butler County on January 31st at home in a District 12 girl/boy doubleheader.