BY BOO NEWSOME
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — Martin County High School boys basketball team is gearing up to host an exciting showcase of top teams and players from the 14th, 15th and 16th regions June 5 and 12.

Head basketball coach Jason James has put together an impressive lineup for this two-day summer event.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to host these games at home,” James said. “We have a fantastic lineup of teams and players joining us all three days. All the top teams from the 15th Region will be here, as well as the Hazard Bulldogs from the 14th Region, a powerhouse, and the Boyd County Lions, the favorites from the 16th Region.”

The lineup for June 5 features Boyd County showcasing the talents of Jacob Spurlock and Cole Hicks. The 15th Region runner-up Pikeville, led by Charlie Fitzer and Eli Johnson, will also attend. Other notable teams include the Pike County Central, the 60th District champion, with Jaylan Rigdon and Jaden Stewart; Johnson Central featuring Austin Slone; former Cardinal standout Chase Parsley and his Prestonsburg Blackcats featuring Braxton Keatley and Connor Napier; and Magoffin County with Aiden Barnett.

The reigning 15th Region champion Martin County will feature talented players Luke Hale, Brayden McKenzie, Dray Duff, Jacob Sturgell and more.

On June 12, fans can expect the involvement of West Virginia teams Tolsia and Mingo Central. The Hazard Bulldogs, the 14th Region runner-up, led by Jamal Hazel, will also be present, along with teams from Floyd Central, Betsy Layne, Pike Central, Prestonsburg, Johnson Central and Boyd County.

Make sure to mark your calendars for June 5 and 12 and head to Martin County High School to catch an early glimpse of some of the area’s top basketball teams and players. The games will consist of two 20-minute halves, with the clock stopping during the last two minutes.