The Allen County-Scottsville put together three solid quarters in action on February 6 against Edmonson County at Patriot Gym. However, a slow start to the fourth quarter helped the Wildcats pull away for a 67-54 win.
The game was a see-saw contest for much of the first half. Jordan Turner, Jackson Morris, and Chase Ross provided the scoring in the first eight minutes. Ties at eight with 3:31 left in the frame, the Wildcats closed on a 9-5 run grab a 17-13 lead after the first period---a period marked by nine lead changes.
A pair of three-point baskets from Blayne Moore and Robert Robledo pulled the Patriots even at 19. Six free throws in the final seven minutes of the first half kept AC-S even or within four points. At the break, Edmonson County owned a 31-29 lead.
The Wildcats scored a pair of quick buckets to build a 35-29 lead with 6:30 left in the frame. AC-S responded with Jace Jackson and Turner going to work. The pair sparked the Patriots to a 10-2 run and a 37-39 advantage with 4:19 left in the third. A 3-pointed by Wildcats Will Alexander was the 16th lead change and gave the visitors a 40-39 lead. AC-S would not lead again.
Trailing 44-43 to start the fourth, AC-S experienced shooting wors the rest of the way. Edmonson began the fourth on a 13-0 run before a Moore 3-pointer stopped the slide. Free throws by Turner brought AC-S to under 10 (57-48) with 1:39 left. Edmonson stretched the lead with two late 3-pointers providing the nail in the coffin.
Turner continued to be a bright spot for the Patriots. For the game, Turner sank four 3-point baskets on his way to a team-high 20 points---the 19th time in 22 games Turner has led or shared in scoring. Blayne Moore added a career-high 11 points and led the team with five rebounds.
After making nine of their first 18 shots, AC-S missed 13 of their final 21 attempts to finish 17-29 for the game. Overall, AC-S was nine of 17 from the 3-point range and 11-18 at the foul line. Edmonson County went 27-53 from the field in the game and five of six at the foul stripe.
The Patriots final regular season District 15 game was meaningless in terms of post-season implications. The Patriots entered the game at Glasgow knowing that win or lose, Barren County would be their first-round District 15 opponent next Tuesday at Warren East. All last Friday proved the opportunity to tweak offense and defense and gain a confidence-producing win.
Rather than step up to the challenge, the Patriots suffered through a long night---a night that ended with the Patriots falling to Glasgow 71-36.
The Scotties defense, combined with the Patriots’ inability to make shots, carried Glasgow to a 14-2 lead after the first eight minutes. The lone basket for the Patriots was a Turner jumper. As a result of the AC-S effort, coach Casey Napier pulled his starters and elected to go into the second quarter with his reserves. The move brought AC-S offense to the game.
Three-point baskets from Carson Wimpee (2) and T.J. Carter plus buckets from Deandre Grainger and Eli Stamper enabled the Patriots to score 13 points in the period. However, Glasgow scored 27 points in the frame to build a 41-15 lead at halftime. The Patriot regulars returned in the second half but the results were the same. Glasgow (9-16) stretched their lead and cruises to the large win.
AC-S (4-19) closed the regular season this week with a Monday game against Russellville, an added game Tuesday at Foundation Christian Academy in Bowling Green, and the Senior Night game Thursday with Logan County.
District 15 play opens on Tuesday at Warren East. Official game times have yet to be released but Barren County (18-10) will be the opposition. The Trojans downed the Patriots 58-43 in December and 63-35 in January. The winner will face the Warren East/Glasgow winner next Friday in the championship tilt.
The official bracket, times, and admission procedures will be released this week. Follow AC=S Sports on Twitter and Facebooks for more information.