Wildcats Even Record With District Win Over Butler County

Bailey Board avoids a Butler County defender as he goes for 2 of his 23 points against the Bears.

Darren Doyle, story: Laney Meredith, photos:
The Wildcats have now clawed their way back to a .500 record of 6-6 with a win against district foe Butler County Tuesday night in Morgantown after starting the season 0-5. Edmonson County saw three starters in double figures in the 76-68 win, in a game where team play was one of the main focuses.

"We have to share the ball and make the extra pass," said Coach Mac before the game. "We'll have to rebound, keep our turnovers down and defend. If we can do that, we'll be ok."

That gameplan was executed with perfection as the Wildcats edged the Bears in rebounding 26-25, had two fewer turnovers, and had 11 team assists compared to Butler County's 5. 

Butler County was hot from the perimeter for much of the game, but the Wildcats answered with good outside shooting of their own, knocking down 50% from behind the arc.

Edmonson County led 23-17 after the first and stretched their lead to 42-31 at the half. 

Tucker Cole drives the ball up the court against Butler County's Brennen Grubb.

Bailey Board blazed the way for the Wildcats with 23 points, shooting an impressive 9/11 from the field and knocking down 3 out of 4 three-pointers on the night. 

Point guard Tucker Cole also had a solid performance as he racked up 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. Caleb Skaggs was the other Wildcat in double figures with 14 points, shooting 5 for 7 from the field, including two 3's.

The Wildcats struggled a bit from the foul line late in the second half, shooting only 60% for the game, but held off the Bears down the stretch despite a couple of Butler County runs that cut EC's lead to only 6 at one point in the fourth.

"I thought we outplayed them in most areas of the game," said assistant coach Bart Weaver. "But daggone it, if we'd just hit some free throws in the fourth quarter, we don't have to sweat it as hard," he said laughing.

"Butler County is a good team," Weaver said. "They've got some weapons. We gave up more points than we have in a little while, but thank goodness we got the win on the road."

The Wildcats are scheduled to take on the Trinity Raiders in another district match up this Friday at ECHS at this year's basketball homecoming. The girls are scheduled to play the first game of the doubleheader beginning at 6pm. The WildcatsLive pregame show is scheduled to begin around 5:50pm.