Wildcats Fall To Hancock County In Class A Final

Despite multiple chances, the Wildcats dug themselves an early hole and could never quite get out as they fell 49-46 in the championship game of the Class A Regional Final at the Owensboro Sportscenter on Sunday.

ECHS started off horribly as they finished the first quarter down 11-3. Things hadn't improved much by halftime as they only managed to put 11 points on the board, falling behind 22-11 at the break. After three, the Cats had scratched into Hancock County's lead 31-24, but things really got interesting in the fourth as the Wildcats effort paid off into a run that cut the lead to 39-35 with 4:00 to go in the game. 

The difference continued to remain around 3-4 points for the next few minutes when the Cats cut it to 47-43 with 1:00 left.  Hancock had possession but Hunter Buttram stole the ball and was fouled extremely hard. Many Cats fans felt that an intentional foul should have been called, which would have resulted in two shots and the ball back, but only a regular foul was ruled. Buttram hit both shots as the score went to 47-45 with :33 left. The Wildcats had to foul Hancock during the final seconds and after some free throws and a deficit of 49-46, the Cats had the ball with one second on the clock but couldn't get a play going as the buzzer sounded. 

Dakota Woodcock, Cole Bedwell, and Hunter Buttram were named to the All A Regional Tournament Team.

Hunter Buttram led the Cats in scoring with 16, hitting four 3 pointers and going 4-4 from the free throw line. Dakota Woodcock added 7 points, Chase Turley helped the cause with 6 points, and Austin Sowders had 5 points. 

The tourney and snow dates have shifted the schedule around, so the Cats won't play again until Friday night, Jan 30th at Grayson County. 

Edmonson Voice Staff
Jamie Carnes, Wyn Caudill, Contributors