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The Wildcats basketball team held their annual "Senior Night" ceremony before the start of their home game with Paris on February 15. Seniors Ethan Verst, team manager Rylee Spence and Connor Neltner were honored for their contributions to the program. Photo by Sam McClanahan
By: Sam McClanahan
The Pendleton County Wildcats concluded their regular season and held their annual "Senior Night" ceremony to honor the contributions of Ethan Verst, Connor Neltner, and team manager Rylee Spence.
The team suffered three more losses to wrap up their final week of play before the 38th District Tournament gets underway beginning on Feb. 21 at Robertson County. On Feb. 14, the team ventured north to take on Campbell County and fell 75-40. Leading the way in scoring for the Wildcats was junior Austin Kirsch with 12 points.
On Feb. 15, the Wildcats hosted Paris and Wildcats would lose 81-61. Prior to the start of the game the program honored its three seniors and team manager Rylee Spence would get to join the starting lineup. As the game got underway, Spence took a pass and would score and uncontested layup for his first official variety points. However, Paris would go onto enjoy a strong opening quarter and go up 28-12. The Greyhounds would maintain a double-digit advantage throughout the game and win by 20. Late in the fourth quarter, Coach Elsbernd would put Spence back into the game and he swished a three-pointer to finish with five points. Fellow seniors Ethan Verst and Connor Neltner finished with eight and three points respectively. The team was led by junior Alex Beyst with 19 points while Kirsch added 13.
"I love these seniors," Coach Elsbernd said following the game. "They've worked very hard for four years and I appreciate them a lot," he added.
The Wildcats concluded the regular season on Feb. 17 hosting Holmes from the 9th Region and lost 45-40. Sophomore guard Aden Merrill led the team with nine points while Neltner and Kirsch both added eight points each.
Pendleton County now looks ahead to their clash with Nicholas County in semifinal play at the district tournament. The two teams split their regular season match-ups as they both won on their home court. According to Coach Elsbernd, in order for his squad to win the game and keep their season alive, it'll take an assertive and inspired performance.
"We need to find a way to get up more shots than Nicholas County. We must also take care of the basketball and out-rebound them. If we can do those things, we should be playing in Friday's championship game."
The Wildcats game with Nicholas County tips off at 7 p.m. on Feb. 22. The winner will advance to play the winner of Harrison County/Robertson County on Feb. 24 for the district title. Both semifinal round winning teams will also qualify for the 10th Region Tournament to be held at Mason County High School.