Published: November 20, 2009 09:05 am      

East Bernstadt swept by Barbourville

Too many missed opportunities cost the East Bernstadt sixth-grade Wildcats their first loss of the season, 43-41, to Barbourville Tuesday night.

“We left way too many points on the floor,” coach Bill Abner said. “We probably missed a dozen layups, and we only shot 3-for-16 from the free throw line. Really, it’s sort of amazing that we were still in the game at the end.”

Michael Gilbert came out on fire with eight first-quarter points, as the Wildcats led 14-11 after one. Then their press really kicked in, as they ripped off a 10-0 run to start the second quarter, pushing the lead to 24-11.

“Right there, the game should have been over,” Abner said. “You’ve got to put teams away when you have them on their heels like that.”

But Barbourville refused to fold, cutting the deficit to 26-21 by halftime, and tying the game at 30 heading into the fourth quarter. The visitors kept the momentum, pushing their lead out to five at 38-33 with 2:30 left.

But the Wildcats wouldn’t go away, scoring six straight and taking a one-point lead on a Tanner Elza layup with 1:20 left. The Tigers scored five of the last seven points, and when Peyton Broughton’s last shot under heavy contact wouldn’t go, it was a two-point Barbourville win.

“Our effort is always there with these guys,” Abner said. “But honestly, we’re not a great half-court team. Most of our offense is created from our defense and forcing turnovers. We have to get better on the half-court, and work on our shooting.”

Gilbert led the Wildcats with 12, while Ryan Abner added 11 and Broughton eight. Trey Feltner had four, with Elza, Cameron Frost and Brian Oliver chipping in two apiece.

The eighth-grade game went to Barbourville, 62-24. “We are digging ourselves a big hole early that’s not allowing us to stay in games,” coach Keith Root said. “But still I same some real progress tonight. Our ball movement was much better, and we did a better job competing for rebounds. This group is getting better.”

Joey Johnson had another nice offensive night for the Wildcats with 11, while David Edwards added six. Austin Hibbard buried a three, and Jacob Evans and Drew Williams had two apiece.

East Bernstadt will next travel to Rockcastle Co. on Monday, with the sixth-grade game beginning at 5:30.