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Senior Alex Beyst puts up a jumper during the fourth quarter. All photos by Sam McClanahan. -
Senior forward Hunter Cox rises above his defender for a floater. -
Senior Austin Kirsch muscles his way through the double-team for a basket against GRC. -
After the game, Austin Kirsch was named to the All-Tournament team.
By Sam McClanahan
MAYSVILLE -- The Pendleton County Wildcats entered the 10th Region Tournament knowing they would need to put forth their best performance to date in order to keep their season alive. Unfortunately, the task would simply be too much to pull off as they were handed a 74-51 loss by George Rogers Clark, ending their season.
The challenge they faced: A matchup with the state powerhouse Cardinals, who entered as the defending four-time region champs and a program that hadn't suffered a loss to a 10th Region opponent since Feb. 7, 2020 (58 straight wins).
The game plan for Pendleton County would be to establish a slow-tempo, half court game that would result in lengthy possessions on offense while limiting possessions to their much more quick and athletic opponents.
However, GRC wasted little time as they controlled the opening tip and scores less than five seconds into the contest. They would increase their lead to 13-3 midway through the quarter while causing havoc on defense that resulted in several Wildcat turnovers. The second quarter began with Pendleton County trailing 20-5 and GRC would not let off of the gas pedal as they extended the lead to 20 points before halftime.
During the second half, GRC continued to flex their muscles on offense as they pushed the lead out to nearly 40 points better than the Wildcats. Some late offense by Pendleton County would reduce their deficit, but as the final seconds ticked away it would result in the end of their 2023-24 season.
Following the game, senior center Austin Kirsch was selected to the All-Tournament team. He led the Wildcats with 12 points while fellow senior Alex Beyst and junior Aden Merrill finished with 10 points each.
“The season as a whole felt like a revival of Pendleton county boys basketball. We showed fight and toughness this season and that's what this place expects,” said Wildcats head coach Mason Monroe, as he reflected on the season. “We won some games along the way and that certainly helps. The most wins since 2017-18 and our first trip back to the regional tournament since 2020. I'm proud of our seniors for their leadership and paving the way for our younger guys. They've reset the standard to what we expect from our basketball teams in Pendleton County. I'm already looking forward to getting back in the gym with our guys. This offseason will be very important for us.
The Wildcats season ends with a record of 15-18, the best mark the program has put together in six seasons. Looking ahead to next season, the program will look to fill the void left by the departing group of six seniors. Top returning players will include Merrill along with combo guards Luke Gregg and Dawson Nichols, as well as the trio of Hunter Keeton, Ja'Zi Grayson and Kamden O'Hara.