BY BOO NEWSOME
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

Martin County Middle School boys basketball is off to an impressive start in the 2023-2024 season. The A-team defeated Johns Creek 43-36 and Lenore 54-21, while the B-team beat Paintsville 27-13.

MC 43, JC 36

Despite a slow start that saw Martin County trail 18-11 after the first quarter, the Cardinals defeated Johns Creek 43-36 in a game Nov. 13.

The Cards fought back to take a 24-22 by halftime and held a slim 33-32 lead after the third quarter. The game stayed close, but the Cardinals’ strong defensive effort in the final quarter limited Johns Creek to just four points and sealed win.

Aiden Copeland led Martin County with 13 points, Brayden Marcum added 11, Jayden Yates netted eight, Jaxson Pack chipped six and Chase Hinkle finished with five.

MC B-team 27, Paintsville 13

The Cardinals B-team secured a victory over Paintsville Nov. 14 with a final score of 27-13. The Cardinals controlled the game from the beginning, building a lead each quarter and finishing strong to secure the win.

Leading the Cardinals, Tyler Goble scored 10 points, Bradley Hatfield added eight and Braxton Pack contributed seven. 

MC 54, Lenore 21

Martin County Middle School’s A-team continued its winning streak with a 54-21 victory over Lenore in the Zip Zone Classic Saturday at Martin County High School.

The Cards took an early lead, shutting out Lenore in the first quarter 21-0, and stretched the lead each quarter to secure the win.

Aiden Copeland led the Cardinals with 20 points, Noah McCoy added 10, Chase Hinkle tickled the twine for seven, Jaxson Pack flipped in six, and Brayden Marcum and Jarden Yates added four each.

Leading the way for Lenore, Braxton Farley scored nine points, Sammy Blackburn and Braylon Sheppard each added three, and Jake Gollihue, Braxton Chaffin and Justin Canterbury each finished with two.