CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

INEZ — The Mountain Citizen 2021-22 All-57th District boys’ and girls’ basketball teams, coaches and players of the year have been decided.

For the girls, the 57th District Coach of the Year is Robin Harmon-Newsome of Martin County High School. The Hall of Fame coach won her 13th career 57th District tournament title — two in her last three seasons — and finished with a stellar 23-win season. Newsome was also awarded the Girls 57th District Tournament 2022 Winning Coach Award.

57th District Player of the Year goes to Martin County’s sophomore guard Laken Williams. Williams was named to the Cats Pause preseason top 10 players in the 15th Region. She helped lead the Lady Cardinals to a 23 and 6 season, 57th District undefeated conference championship and a 57th District Tournament Championship. Laken averaged 17.5 points a game while dishing out 5 assists and 4 steals a game. Williams had a season-high of 41 points vs. Magoffin County. She was also named to the 15th Region All-Tournament Team.

Girls’ First Team

Katie Marcum, Martin County sophomore center

Marcum made her mark on the team this season, averaging 16.2 points per game and 9 rebounds per game. Marcum had a game-high of 29 points against Ocoee in Florida over Christmas break. Marcum’s dominant presence in the post helped surge the Lady Cards to the 57th District Championship. Marcum also grabbed a spot on the 15th Region All-Tournament Team.

Emilea Preece, Paintsville sophomore forward/guard

Preece not only showed her skills as a post player with her height but also in the guard position. The sophomore averaged 15.7 points per game and 8 rebounds per game. Preece helped lead the Tigers to a 57th District runner-up finish and was also named to the 15th Region All-Tournament Team.