By: Sam McClanahan
The Pendleton County Wildcats looked to avoid an early-season losing streak but would not be able to do so as they fell to both Fleming and Mercer County.
On December 6, the team hosted the Fleming County Panthers from the 16th Region. They are coached by former Wildcats coach Buddy Biggs, who guided the program to their third regional title and last state tournament appearance in 2005. The Panthers blitzed Pendleton County early in the first quarter and jumped out to a quick double-figure advantage. Fleming County's lead would grow to 20 points as they were able to penetrate to the basket for close scoring opportunities and dominated on the glass in out rebounding the Wildcats. They took a 40-20 lead into halftime.
In the second half, Fleming County continued to control the game and cruised to a 71-36 win. The Panthers shot 51 percent from the floor and out-rebounded the Wildcats 38-17. Pendleton County was led in scoring by Hunter Jack, who knocked down four of eight shots to finish with 11 points. Austin Kirsch posted nine points and Ethan Verst added six.
On December 11, the team traveled to Maysville to take part in the Mike Murphy Classic. Their opponent would be Mercer County from the 12th Region. Pendleton County would be without Kirsch in this contest due to an illness. The Wildcats struggled to score during the first half as Mercer County took a six-point lead into the start of the second quarter and used a 14-2 run to pull ahead by double-digits. Mercer County led 38-16 at halftime.
During the second half, the Wildcats offense would show signs of life, but the team had already put itself in too far of a deficit. Mercer County went onto claim the victory, 81-54. The Wildcats would be led by Alex Beyst with 11 points. Sophomore Luke Gregg, in his first varsity start, delivered 10 points in four of six shots. Hunter Jack would also reach double-figures with 10 points.
"This team is getting better. The schedule is tough before Christmas and that's done on purpose. We are playing tough competition, and that's the way I like it. If this team competes every night like they did against Mercer County, we will be just fine," said Wildcats head coach Sam Elsbernd.
The Wildcats will look to defend home court on Dec. 13 when they host border rival Bracken County. On Dec. 16 and 17, the team will travel to Rowan County to compete in the Stock Yards Bank & Trust Challenge where they'll face off against Beth Haven and Lawrence County.