Wildcats Hold On Against Raiders In 59-56 Win

Wilson Notches Third Straight Double-Double 

Griffin Spainhoward lays up two points against Warren East.

Darren Doyle, story: Madison Doyle, photos:
The Wildcats overpowered Warren East in a physical battle that came down to the final minutes on Friday night at home. Edmonson County grabbed their first win of the season 59-56, as three Wildcats put up double-figures in scoring. 

Sophomore Chaz Wilson led with his third straight double-double, as he put up 17 points and 11 rebounds, Dalton Decker impressed again with 15 points, and Mason Pierce added 10 points.

Nick Clemmons drives against Warren East's Ryan Carter (41).

"It's been a tough week with the way we started off and then going up to Breck," said Coach Mike McClintic. "But we emphasized that if we could cut our turnovers in half from what we'd been doing it would make a difference. We didn't get them to half, but we did way down from what it has been. We still made a lot of bonehead plays, as I call them, and they made it interesting for this old man and that's why I don't have hair," he said with a laugh. "But I'm so proud of them. I can't say enough about them--they're wonderful."

Chaz Wilson dribbles against Warren East.

Dalton Decker scores on a layup against Warren East.

The Wildcats had an aggressive start, jumping out to a 13-3 lead. East finally got their offense going late in the first but Edmonson led 21-14 going into the second. East continued chipping away and narrowed Edmonson's lead to 34-29 at the half. 

The Wildcats struggled in the third as East's defense was turned up and the game became a much more physical contest. Turnovers led to transition baskets for the Raiders and some poor shot selections by the Wildcats led to East outscoring Edmonson in the quarter as they narrowed the EC lead to 45-43 going into the fourth.

Warren East tied the score with two free throws at 45 all with 6:51 to go in the game. The Wildcats failed to score on their next possession and the Raiders drew a foul on a made basket for a three-point play to take their first lead of the game 48-45 with 6:21 left.

EC's Chaz Wilson scored on the next trip for the Wildcats while drawing the foul but couldn't make the free throw as the Cats trailed 47-48. Nick Clemmons drove the lane for a left handed scoop shot to regain the lead for the Wildcats with 5:31 to go. The score went back-and-forth when Dalton Decker went coast-to-coast for a layup that gave the Cats a 55-52 lead with 3:39 to go. Warren East stepped on the line as they attempted to inbound the ball but the Wildcats threw the ball away as they took possession. 

East scored and drew another foul but missed the free throw to narrow their deficit to 55-54 with 3:04 to go. Each team exchanged baskets as the Cats held on to a 57-56 lead with 1:36 to go. With just over a minute left, Mason Pierce took a charge against Warren East and then scored on their next possession with a drive to the basket. Edmonson County extended their lead to 59-56 with 50 seconds left. It would be the final score as East was unsuccessful with three-point attempts as time expired.

Eli Booker added 6 points, Nick Clemmons added 5, and Griffin Spainhoward scored 4 points.

Edmonson County is now 1-2 on the season and is scheduled to take on Cumberland County Saturday at home around 4pm in a G/B doubleheader.