Warren East's Tadd Dunn (right), shoots over Edmonson County's Michael Poteet during their game on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2011, in Brownsville, Ky. Warren East beat Edmonson County 50-41. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Daily News)

BROWNSVILLE — Patience paid off Tuesday for the Warren East Raiders in a 50-41 victory at Edmonson County.

Instead of trying to run against Edmonson County, which wanted to slow down the pace, Warren East went to a deliberate style of offense, too. The move paid off with the Raiders steadily taking control in the second half, improving to 11-7 on the season.

“They definitely took us out of our game for a little bit, but we were able to adjust,” Warren East senior guard Adarius Barnett said. “I feel like the team was together tonight. We figured it out, had a couple of runs and stayed in it and didn’t let it get to us. We played good basketball tonight.”

Warren East controlled the pace by limiting mistakes, with seven turnovers in the game.

The Raiders had three turnovers during the first half, when they led by as many as 10 points before Edmonson County (5-13) was able to trim the deficit to 20-14 by halftime.

The Warren East lead was 23-17 midway through the third period when the Raiders got some breathing room. Senior center John Bootz followed a baseline jumper with a dunk over a pair of Edmonson County defenders, starting an 8-0 spurt that gave Warren East a 31-17 advantage.

“I feel like he’s the reason we got the energy,” Barnett said. “He sparked us with the dunk. We’ve been waiting for that all year and he gave it to us. After that, we fed off his energy and went out there and played ball.”

Edmonson County got as close as five points early in the fourth quarter before Warren East pulled away – leading by as many as 17 points in the final minutes.

“On the road, out of region, it was definitely a good win,” Warren East coach Casey Simpson said. “The game was kind a tale of two halves. I knew when we got up a little bit in the third that I was going to hold the ball in the fourth quarter and make them come get us. That changed the game a little bit. We were able to spread them out a little bit and get some layups.”

Simpson added it was a good way to prepare for Warren East’s next opponent – District 14 foe Greenwood. The Gators held the Raiders to 30 points in the first meeting two weeks ago.

“I think this was a physical type Greenwood game,” Simpson said. “Greenwood mixes in zones. They play some hardcore man and will foul you hard just like Edmonson County will. We’ll just try to do the best we can to prepare and stay in the win column.”

Bootz led the way for Warren East with 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Barnett added 12 points, including 10 in the second half.

Justin Carnes led Edmonson County with 19 points.

WEHS 9 11 11 19 – 50

ECHS 5 9 10 17 – 41

WE – Dunn 7, Whitney 4, Dice 2, Chatman 2, Bryant 7, A. Barnett 12, J. Barnett 1, Duncan 2, Bootz 13.

EC – Milam 4, Carnes 19, Caudill 3, Poteet 5, T. Duvall 2, Cowles 6, C. Duvall 2.

 

Edmonson County 52, Warren East 40 (girls)

The Lady Wildcats used a strong third quarter to take control, bouncing back from a 41-point loss to Glasgow.

“It was a really good win,” sophomore guard Madison Rich said. “It will definitely boost our confidence. We lost our last game pretty bad, but I think this will help boost us.”

Edmonson County (6-11) took a 25-23 lead into halftime when Brandi Lindsey found Chelsea Kinser under the basket for a layup with three seconds left in the second quarter.

A 13-0 run to start the second half fueled an 18-5 third quarter for Edmonson County. Warren East (2-19) didn’t get closer than 11 points in the final period.

“ I think (Warren East coach Aaron Richmond) is doing a great job,” Edmonson County coach Mike McClintic said. “I saw them at Christmas and they are definitely getting better every game. I thought our kids did a good job of moving the ball, but the key there in the run was the way we handled the ball and played defense. That’s what I was pleased with.”

Taylor Miller finished with 15 points for Edmonson County, while Rich added 12 points and nine rebounds.

Hannah Park led Warren East with 18 points and teammate Deborah Young added 10.

WEHS 10 13 5 12 – 40

ECHS 11 14 18 9 – 52

WE – Bibb 2, Renfro 2, Young 10, Ju. Martin 8, Parker 18.

EC – Lindsey 7, Carnes 3, Clemmons 5, Rich 12, Glenn 4, Ryan 2, Kinser 4, Miller 15.