Wildcats Hang On For First District Win Of Season

Edmonson Defeats Trinity 64-59

Dalton Decker maneuvers around a Trinity defender in a 64-59 Wildcat win in Whitesville.

Darren Doyle, story: Alyssa Doyle, photos:
A total team effort was left on the court last night in Whitesville from the Wildcats as they played well as a unit in their first district win of the season, defeating the Trinity Raiders 64-59. Despite 57% shooting from the free throw line, the Wildcats nailed four crucial foul shots in the final minute to hold off a big Trinity run and ice the game for the road win.

Edmonson County lost the rebounding battle (25-17) and committed 16 turnovers, but nine different Wildcats put up points in the district battle. It seemed when Edmonson needed a shot, they made it. When they needed a stop, they got it. These are things that haven't happened often in a frustrating season for Coach Mike McClintic and his Wildcats. A few plays went their way at crucial times, the boys had a much better overall shot selection, and when the game was on the line, both Mason Pierce and Nick Clemmons nailed their free throws down the stretch that extinguished any hopes of a Raider comeback. 

Nick Clemmons attempts a three-pointer against Trinity.

Edmonson County got off to a good start and led 15-10 after the first quarter and an encore second quarter gave them a 35-23 lead at the half. Chaz Wilson aggravated his ankle just as the half came to a close but seemed to walk it off during the break; however, a play early in the third caused some real pain for him and he was taken out of the game. Wilson missed the first part of the season as a result of a serious injury he obtained in a summer baseball game. The coaching staff said Wilson is having the ankle seen by a physician asap.

Trinity started inching their way back during the fourth as they began making 3s, getting to the foul line and crashing the boards. Leading only by two points, Edmonson County's Eli Booker scored on a layup to give them a 60-56 lead with 1:05 remaining in the game. 

Trinity's Kevin Foster hit a three-pointer with 50.1 seconds remaining that cut the Wildcat lead to 60-59; however, the shot would be the Raiders' final points as Edmonson County drew fouls on their end and made the crucial free throws to hang on for the win. 

Daniel Woosley goes for 2 of his 9 points against Trinity.

"I'm so proud of them boys...they ran our game plan perfect. There was a few times where we got in a little bit of a hurry and had a couple of defensive breakdowns, but they had the guts and the heart in them, a lot of pride and a lot of energy," said Coach Mac.

"We had a good week of practice, going at it pretty hard, so it carried over into tonight and Darren, I've told you 60,000 times, that's why I love these kids."

Dalton Decker finished with 17 points, Nick Clemmons had 11, Daniel Woosley had 9, Mason Pierce and Chaz Wilson had 7 each, Jon Smith had 6, Eli Booker had 3, and both Trent Taylor and Gavin Rose had 2 each. 

Edmonson County is now 4-10 on the year and 1-2 in District 12 play. The Wildcats are scheduled to take on Hart County on Monday at home beginning at 7:15pm.