Wildcats Defeat Butler County For 2023 District Championship

Edmonson County Wins 82-74

The Wildcats celebrate a 82-74 win over Butler County for the 2023 District 12 Championship.

Darren Doyle, story: Madison Doyle, photos:
Four Wildcats landed in double figures tonight with two of them scoring 20 or more in an 82-74 win over Butler County and the District 12 Championship game, which was hosted at Edmonson County High School this week.

Facing Butler County's high scoring guard Ty Price, who averages 31ppg this season and Lawson Rice (18ppg), and a very good defensive and rebounding team, Edmonson County had their work cut out for them. They split their matches this season, losing to the Bears in Morgantown a few weeks ago.

After a couple of made buckets by Butler County to start the game, Edmonson County took a 6-4 lead on a basket by Braxton Highbaugh with 4:48 left in the first quarter and the Wildcats would never trail again throughout the entire contest.

Will Alexander shoots over a Butler County defender.

Braden Wall shoots between two Butler County defenders.

Tyler Anderson dribbles the ball against Butler County.

The Wildcats jumped out to a 19-10 start and led 36-25 at the half. Edmonson County led as much as 17 during the game and maintained a 13-16 point lead throughout. The Bears got hot in the fourth and sunk 8 three-pointers, cutting the lead to as much as 8 points, but that's as close as they would get, despite a 28-point performance from Price and three other Bears in double figures.

Caden Mills looks for a pass.

Boden Bates fires a three pointer over a Butler County defender.

Zander Bass shoots against Butler County.

"A lot of times in games like this, it's sloppy," said Head Coach Brad Johnson. "I told them they played great. I told (coach) Calvin (Dockery) they played great, I thought that we played great. Heck, they kept throwing in shots, but we answered the call."

Coach Johnson said it was very special seeing his group of guys now being those that are a part of the banners hanging in the gym.

"I'm so proud that we had moments to fold a little bit, you know. I love seeing kids play together, love each other, and come together under pressure, and they really did that so much," said Johnson.

Highbaugh knocked on the door of a triple double, putting up 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists. He also had 3 steals for the Wildcats. Will Alexander was a stellar 6 of 8 from behind the three-point line and scored 20. Tyler Anderson had 11 points and was 7 of 8 from the free throw line. Braden Wall had 10 points and 8 rebounds.

Also scoring for the Cats were Zander Bass and Boden Bates with 8 points each and Joshua Decker with 3 points.

Edmonson County out-rebounded the Bears 28-25 and shot 52% for the game, including 11 of 21 from behind the three-point line for 52%. Butler County shot 28-58 from the field for 48% and 51% on three-pointers on 18 of 35.

It is the first time in school history that the both the Wildcats and Lady Cats have won a district title in the same year. Experiencing it at home is even more special for the team, fans, school, and student body. The last title for the boys was claimed in 2017, which was the first one since the 1993 team.

The Wildcats are now 18-12 on the season and will play next week in the Region 3 Tournament in Owensboro. Drawing for the brackets for both boys and girls will take place tomorrow.