Wildcats Maintain Poise in Defeat Against the Bears in Morgantown

Edmonson County Wildcats junior shooting guard Tyler Wilson (1) shoots against host Butler County on the road Thursday February 13 in Morgantown.

Story and photos by Joseph Barkoff:
Edmonson County Wildcat basketball knew the makeup game against the district rival Butler County Bears, on the road in Morgantown, was going to be a tough and demanding game Thursday, February 13th. 
 
Despite the weight of averages, the Wildcats do not have an overall winning record against the Bears and being down 25 points at the halfway mark in the night’s game, they did not ever lower their heads and surrender during play.
 
Yes, the Wildcats lost by 20, 88-68 when the last buzzer sounded, which included the bleacher-indoor-gas-powered-leaf blower choking everyone out, because who needs a broom, right?

Edmonson County Wildcats junior shooting guard Blayne Deweese (3) looks to lay it in against host Butler County on the road Thursday February 13 in Morgantown.

Edmonson County Wildcats senior power forward Braxtin Lindsey (23) holds onto a loose ball against host Butler County on the road Thursday February 13 in Morgantown.

 
“I thought we were a little timid in the first half,” Edmonson County head coach Brad Meredith said on the Edmonson Voice Post Game Show.
 
He doesn’t want his team to play like that, he wants them to attack, he said.
 
He feels they won the second half, even outscoring the Bears by five points. 
 
The Bears were on fire, and the Wildcats were cold as, well outside right now, shooting barely over 20 percent in the first quarter. 

Edmonson County Wildcats sophomore point guard Braden Wright shoots a 3-pointer against host Butler County on the road Thursday February 13 in Morgantown.

Edmonson County Wildcats head coach Brad Meredith speaks to his team during a timeout against host Butler County on the road Thursday February 13 in Morgantown.

​By the end though, the Wildcats showed they can compete with the Bears, Meredith said.
 
At the end of the night, some unofficial stats curated by Edmonson Voice Live Darren Doyle saw the ‘Cats shooting 56 percent from the field, which is a huge turnaround from the first quarter.
 
Some other game stats included Edmonson County junior shooting guards Tyler Wilson and Blayne Deweese both had 16 points and 9 and 5 rebounds each respectively. Sophomore point guard Braden Wright scored 12 with 8 boards and senior power forward Braxtin Lindsey shot down 10 with 4 boards.
 
Edmonson County takes to the hardwood again when Owensboro Knights Christian visits the Edmonson County 5/6 Center for throwback days Saturday Feb. 15 at 4:30 p.m. in Brownsville.