Worn Out Lady Cats Struggle In Loss To Russell County

Freshman Hannah Meredith drives against a Russell County defender.

Edmonson Voice Staff
Darren Doyle, photos
Seven basketball games in nine days takes a toll on even the most athletic bodies, and the Lady Cats felt the effects first hand as they suffered a 64-33 loss to the Russell County Lady Lakers in yesterday's third place match at the Rafferty's/Double Dogs Caveland Classic at ECHS.

Suffering from an illness, sophomore guard Peyton Martin did not play in the contest, and sophomore guard Caitlin Simon left the game early in the first half as she nursed a sore ankle and Achilles tendon. Without the Lady Cats' top scorers, Edmonson County had to rely on reserves and much younger players to do the heavy lifting. While several players gained valuable experience, the team struggled to find any rhythm.

"We're going to bank on our younger kids for the next couple years," said assistant coach Barry Booth. "Tonight is just one game. We're looking ahead within the next three weeks and we have three away district games."

Booth stressed that those games were going to be the focus and are most important at this point in the season.

Martin is expected to be back in action at the next practice, as her illness isn't considered to be a major factor. "That was coach Jackson's call," Booth said. "She probably could've played, but why? We'll need her in district games."

He said Simon would continue caring for her ankle, one that had been injured before. "We don't really know how serious it is right now. We pulled her out as a cautionary matter. Why play her when you're down 30?"

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8th grader Madison Harrison moves around a Russell County defender.

Lauren Ballance, 8th grader, fires a shot against Russell County.

Offensively, the Lady Cats were led in scoring by senior Rachael Duncan, who had nine points, hitting 3 of 4 three-pointers while grabbing 4 rebounds. Senior Madelyn Taylor added 8 points and 2 rebounds.

Also contributing to the offense was Jhonna Basil and Tori Browning with 4 points each, Katlin Collins and Chanley Logsdon each had 3, and Abby Alexander had 2. The Lady Cats are now at an even 7-7 on the year.

Both Martin and Simon were named to the Caveland Classic All-Tournament team.
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The Lady Cats will travel to Trinity on Saturday to play the first district game of the season in a girl/boy doubleheader beginning at 6pm. You can listen to both games live right here on EdmonsonVoice.com by clicking on WildcatsLive.