By Sam McClanahan
The Pendleton County Wildcats basketball team concluded their regular season by notching a pair of dramatic, last second victories over Boone and Grant County. The team was in search of a spark to provide them some positive momentum heading into this week's 38th District Tournament.
The Wildcats traveled to Lexington on February 17 and was handed an 89-56 loss at Lexington Christian Academy. Sophomores Ja'Zi Grayson and Kamden O'Hara led the team with 15 points each while fellow sophomores Parker McCandless and Hunter Keeton added nine each.
On February 18, the team traveled north to face Boone County and pulled out a 51-50 win. Wildcats senior guard Luke Gregg put the team ahead with less than 10 seconds remaining in regulation as he took a pass from fellow senior Aden Merrill, penetrated into the free throw line and pulled up for a one-handed floater that gave his squad the lead for good. Ja'Zi Grayson led Pendleton County with 13 points while Aden Merrill scored 11 and Hunter Keeton added 10.
The Wildcats closed the regular season on February 20 traveling to Grant County and looking to score their first win over the Braves since 2018. The Wildcats offense was on point during the first quarter as they used a quick pace to put 22 points on the board and enjoy a five-point advantage heading into the second quarter. During the second quarter, Grant County would get themselves going offensively as they stormed back to take the lead before the Wildcats ended the quarter strong to nod the score at 34 all heading into halftime.
During the second half, things would tighten up on both ends of the floor as it became much more of a slower, half court game. Pendleton County went ahead by five to start the fourth quarter. Senior Aden Merrill kept the Wildcats ahead as he knocked down a clutch three-pointer followed by a tough fadeaway jumper to keep the Wildcats lead at five. In the closing minutes, Grant County would cut the deficit to one and with 10 seconds remaining in regulation, the Braves had one final possession to win the game but would not be able to capitalize. Pendleton County escaped with a 53-52 win to conclude the regular season with a 16-13 record. Merrill led the Wildcats with 19 points, O'Hara finished with 14, Grayson added 11 and Keeton rounded out the scoring with nine.
This week, the Wildcats will compete in the 38th District Tournament held at Harrison County. The Wildcats are seeking their first title since the 2017-18 season. The team will take on Nicholas County tonight at 7:45 p.m. looking to keep their season alive and advance to the championship game on February 28. A win this evening will also automatically qualify the Wildcats for the 10th Region Tournament. Should the Wildcats advance, they will meet the winner of the Harrison County/Robertson County contest at 7 p.m. on February 28.
Pendleton County and Nicholas County split their two regular season matchups with each team winning on the road.