Wildcats Pull Out Homecoming Win Over Bears

Bailey Board drives for 2 of his 22 points against Butler County in the Wildcat 70-65 win.

Darren Doyle, story: Madison Doyle, photos:
A back-and-forth battle between two solid district rivals allowed fans at a packed Edmonson County High School to get all of their money's worth in the Wildcats' 70-65 win over Butler County last night at the 2017 Basketball Homecoming.

"We knew this would be a battle, and they're (Butler County) really good offensively," said assistant coach Bart Weaver. "We thought we could exploit some things on their defense, but it was a battle."

And a battle it was, as both teams fought in a physical contest in which the winner would be determined by who could execute their plan the best. Last night, that was the Wildcats as they shared the ball, outrebounded the Bears, and kept their turnovers down--all key elements in their plan, knowing all would have to be done for the win.

Four Wildcats landed in double figures as Bailey Board led with 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists, Caleb Skaggs had 18 points and 5 rebounds, Tucker Cole had an outstanding night with 17 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds, and Iszic Blankenship finished with 11 points and 8 rebounds.

The lead changed hands several times with plenty of tied scores throughout the contest as the score was 13 all at the end of the first. The Bears held a one point edge with a 30-29 lead at the half, but the advantage went back to the Cats as they led 49-48 going into the fourth.

The Wildcats started the fourth quarter on an 8-0 run to grab a 57-48 lead and they never trailed again. Butler County cut the lead to only three in the final minute, but two free throws by Tucker Cole sealed the deal with seconds left in the game. 

"It came down to the things that we really concentrate on, turnovers and rebounds, and we won them both tonight," said Weaver. "It's sounds simple, but it's not that simple. Those areas are big with us."

Logan Lindsey was the other Wildcat in the scorebook with 2 points while adding 4 rebounds and 3 assists. 

The Wildcats improve to 12-7 on the season and are a perfect 5-0 in district play. They are scheduled for three games next week as they take on Allen County away on Monday, Trinity at home on Tuesday, and Grayson County on the road Friday.