BY BOO NEWSOME
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — Martin County set the tone for an exciting season with a come-from-behind 79-65 win over West Virginia Class 2A reigning state champion Chapmanville in the Zip Zone Express Tip-Off Classic played Saturday at Martin County.

This contest served as the sole preseason scrimmage for the Cardinals, as their first scrimmage was canceled following the sudden death of MCHS Principal Brian Charles. The team paid tribute to the late principal by wearing new shooting shirts and honoring his family with special plaques before the game.

Playing without senior starter Brayden McKenzie, who sat out due to an ankle injury, the Cardinals trailed 18-14 after the first quarter. They adjusted and narrowed the gap to 36-35 by halftime.

The turning point came in the second half thanks to senior Luke Hale scoring 20 of his 38 points. The Cardinals surged ahead 55-49 at the end of the third quarter and maintained their momentum to put Chapmanville on ice.

Hale scored a game-high 38 points to lead Martin County. Senior Jake Sturgell battled for 12 points, junior Peyton Davis scored 10, senior Blake Maynard added nine, senior Dray Duff and sophomore Devan Maynard each added four and eighth-grader Bryson Dials chipped in two.

Zion Blevins and Cam Blevins scored 13 points each to lead Chapmanville. Benji Adkins followed with 12 points, Joey Gollihue and Drew Berry added 10 each and Sam Miller chipped in seven.

Martin County Coach Jason James acknowledged initial nervousness but noted the unity that showed in the end.

“We had to adjust somewhat without one of our key players in Brayden McKenzie, but I thought Devan, Peyton and Bryson all stepped up and played well,” James said. “Obviously, Luke was tremendous, as were Dray and Jake. But I have to brag on Blake Maynard. I thought he played one of his best games ever as a Cardinal. If he can keep doing that, we are going to be really good.”

The Cardinals open their season Wednesday at home against Huntington Expression Prep. Gametime is 7 p.m.