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Verst
The Pendleton County Wildcats returned to action for the first time in 17 days on Jan. 29 following multiple positive Covid tests that forced the team into quarantine.
Head coach Sam Elsbernd and his squad hosted border rival Bracken County and took on the Polar Bears with three of his starters still out of action due to KHSAA health and safety protocol. Despite being shorthanded the Wildcats were eager to resume their season and try to clinch a much-needed victory.
The first half saw both clubs shoot the ball well from the perimeter as the contest saw numerous lead changes. Bracken County would knock down a clutch three-pointer just before the horn sounded to end the first half and took a 25-19 lead heading into halftime.
The third quarter saw the Polar Bears gain momentum as they used a 7-2 run to pull ahead and hold an advantage that stayed between six and eight points throughout the next several minutes. Pendleton County was able to hang around as senior Tredyn Thomas used his versatile scoring abilities to keep his team in the game.
Pendleton County trailed by seven to begin the fourth quarter and played hard for the final eight minutes but were unable to get enough stops on the defensive side of the floor to catch the Polar Bears. The Wildcats would get within six with three minutes remaining but Bracken County would go onto sink timely free throws and grab key offensive rebounds that resulted in a 59-49 victory.
Blake Reed led for Polar Bears in double figures with 15 points. Tredyn Thomas led all players with a game-high 23 points. Braydon Kidwell finished with 10, Ethan Caldwell added nine and Jacob Redden rounded out the Wildcats scoring with seven points.
“Our guy’s played hard tonight and I think we’re still headed into the right direction. We missed a few big shots that would’ve gotten us closer down the stretch but as the season goes on, we’ll knock those down. I was proud of the performances by guys like Ethan Caldwell, Jacob Redden and Connor Neltner who stepped up and played big minutes,” said Coach Elsbernd.
Pendleton County was scheduled to travel to Holmes on Jan. 30 but that matchup was nixed due to incoming inclement weather. The Wildcats now turn their attention to a road matchup versus district rival Harrison County on Feb. 2, followed by a Feb. 5 home game with Nicholas County and hosting Lloyd the following afternoon to close out the week.