Wildcats Drop Season Opener In Tough Battle To Breckinridge

Edmonson County Loses Rebound Battle Against Tigers

Logan Lindsey goes for two of his 18 points against Breckinridge Co. in the season opener.

Darren Doyle, story: Madison Doyle, photos:
The Wildcats fell to Breckinridge County 68-64 in the 2017-18 season opener at home on Monday night against a very physical Tiger team, but a great effort gave fans plenty to look forward to as the season progresses. 

Going into the game, Edmonson County knew they'd have to rebound against the much bigger, stronger lineup of the Tigers in order to have a good chance at a win, but it was something that was difficult for the Cats as they were out rebounded 39-25. Breckinridge took advantage of two and three opportunities to score with their offensive rebounding.

J.T. Vincent puts up a shot against Breckinridge county on Monday night.

Edmonson County started off a bit sluggish, missing their first four attempts from the field and allowing the Tigers to penetrate the paint. They were down 17-13 after the first quarter. After a much better second quarter, the Wildcats fought back and took a 23-21 lead with 4:21 in the half. 

Senior point guard Tucker Cole was able to drive to the rim and kick the ball out and around to open shooters. Post players J.T. Vincent and John Potter were able to connect around the basket as the Cats outscored the Tigers 19-13 and took a 32-30 lead at halftime.

Tucker Cole drives toward the basket against Breckinridge's Kobe Poole.

Things flip flopped in the third as Breckinridge pounded the paint, getting to loose balls and scoring on second attempts when Kobe Poole made a rare miss. Poole finished with 31 points. The Tigers went back on top 48-45 going into the fourth.

Once again, the Wildcats scratched back in the fourth as Dylan Elmore connected on two 3-pointers in the quarter while J.T. Vincent and Logan Lindsey found their way to the basket. The Wildcats took a 53-52 lead with just five minutes to go, but they'd get no closer as the Tigers went on to win.

Dylan Elmore shoots for three of his 16 points against Breckinridge County Monday night.

"Our kids played so daggone hard," said Asst. Coach Bart Weaver. "We had the lead there at 53-52, and I felt like we really had a shot right there to open up a little lead, but then we gave up an offense board to Poole and an and-one. That made it from us being up one to down three. It just snowballed from there, but we didn't quit and Elmore hit some big shots down the stretch."

Weaver said although the night ended in a loss, he saw some younger players filling the shoes of the starters gone from last season, which is something that has to happen to put wins on the board. 

Logan Lindsey led the Cats with 18 points, Dylan Elmore finished with 16, Tucker Cole ended with 10, J.T. Vincent had 8, John Potter added 7, Brayden Carey had 3, Ryan Lindsey finished with 2, and Chaz Wilson added one.

The Wildcats are scheduled to travel to Logan County Tuesday night in a girl/boy doubleheader beginning at 6pm. It will be the first game of the season for the Lady Cats. You can listen live to both games right here on EdmonsonVoice.com beginning around 5:45pm.