Beech Tree News Network

MORGANTOWN — Butler County pulled away to defeat Edmonson County 49-26 in the 12th District Girls' Basketball Tournament title game on Thursday, Feb. 24. Among the the top girls' high school basketball teams in the 3rd Region, Butler County won its first 12th District championship since 1993.

Butler County, under the direction of head coach Lexie Belcher, set the tone early, outscoring Edmonson County 15-4 in the first quarter. 

After outscoring Edmonson County 12-9 in the second quarter, Butler County led 27-13 at halftime. 

Remaining ahead after halftime, Butler County led 39-18 at the conclusion of the third quarter. 

Gracie Cardwell and Jaelyn Taylor scored 10 points apiece to lead Butler County to the district championship-clinching win. 

Narrowly missing double figures for the Lady Bears, Taylin Clark and Taylor Leach netted nine points apiece. 

Finishing one shot short of double figures for Butler County, Jenna Phelps added eight points.

Rounding out Butler County's individual scoring, Kristen Blunk and Graci Leach chipped in two points and one point, respectively. 

Both Butler County and Edmonson County advance to the 3rd Region Girls' Basketball Tournament. 

A breakdown of the postseason honors for the Butler County girls' basketball program follows. 

All-Academic Team: Graci Leach.

Regular-Season All-District Team: Gracie Cardwell, Taylin Clark. 

All-12th District Tournament Team: Jenna Phelps, Gracie Cardwell, Taylin Clark.

All District Cheerleaders: Hope Phelps and Nevaeh Lawrence