Beech Tree News Network

WHITESVILLE - Determined Butler County battled back from behind to edge rival Edmonson County 40-39 in the 12th District Boys'  Basketball Tournament Semifinals at Whitesville Trinity High School on Tuesday, March 16.

Hayden Hodge delivered a tip-in with 10 seconds remaining to lift Butler County to the victory. 

The win allowed Butler County to advance to the 12th District boys' basketball title game.

With the win, Butler County improved to 5-8.

Edmonson County ended its season 6-13 with the loss.  

Butler County outscored Edmonson County 12-7 in the opening quarter but trailed at halftime. Edmonson County battled back to lead 23-17 intermission.

The Wildcats led the Bears 34-29 at the conclusion of the third quarter,

But Butler County finished strong. 

Solomon Flener scored 14 points to lead Butler County to the win. 

Accompanying Flener in double figures for the Bears, Leevi McMillin netted 10 points.

Chipping in offensively, Brody Hunt (seven points), Lawson Rice (five points), Jagger Henderson (two points) and Hodge (two points) provided the additional scoring for the Bears.

Defensively, Butler County thrived.

Struggling offensively, Edmonson County shot 27.1 percent (13-of-48) from the field. The Wildcats were 4-of-16 (25 percent) from 3-point range. 

Chaz Wilson scored 16 points for Edmonson County in the season-ending setback. Accompanying Wilson in double figures for Edmonson County, Braden Wall netted 10 points. 

Butler County is scheduled to face familiar foe Grayson County in the 12th District boys' basketball title game at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 19. Both Butler County and Grayson County are headed to the 3rd Region Boys' Basketball Tournament.