BY BOO NEWSOME
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
PIKEVILLE — Martin County is in the hunt for a second-straight 15th Region All “A” championship. The Cardinals dismantled East Ridge 78-41 in the first round Jan. 9 and survived Shelby Valley 59-52 in a hard-fought second round Friday. The defending champion was set to face Betsy Layne in the semifinals Monday (Jan. 15), but that game has been postponed until Thursday due to inclement weather.
All games are at the Appalachian Wireless Arena in Pikeville.
Below is a recap of Martin County’s journey.
Cards dismantle Warriors 78-41
The Cardinals set the tone for their 15th Region All “A” championship campaign in a dominating 78-41 performance Jan. 9 against the East Ridge Warriors. Martin County was on top 24-6 lead at the end of the first quarter, fueled by senior Brayden McKenzie’s 11 points.
Martin County’s relentless pressure defense caused East Ridge to struggle, resulting in numerous turnovers that translated into quick and easy baskets for the Cardinals. By halftime, Martin County held a commanding 47-19 lead. McKenzie continued to score at will, leading all scorers at the half with 15 points.
Martin County coach Jason James rotated players early and often. Senior Luke Hale heated up in the third quarter, contributing 10 of his 21 points and sinking five three-pointers for the game.
The Cardinals proved too much for the Warriors, leading from start to finish.
“I thought we came out with the right mindset that we wanted to jump on them early and really keep the pace up,” Coach James said. “We did a great job pushing the basketball and really shot the ball well.”
McKenzie and Hale each scored 21 points to lead Martin County. Jacob Sturgell scored 11 points, Peyton Davis contributed 10, Devan Maynard netted eight, Eli Mills chipped in four, and Bryson Dials added three.
McKenzie was named Citizen National Bank Player of the Game.
For East Ridge, Wallace Heegan led with 21 points, Jackson Keene finished with 14, Gunner Ward added nine, Landon Robinson and Carter Damron each netted six, and Gavin Damron contributed two.
Cards cage Wildcats 59-52
The Martin County Cardinals knew they were in for a challenge Friday night against the Shelby Valley Wildcats in the second game of the 15th Region All “A” Classic. Likewise, the Wildcats knew coming in that they would have to control the pace of the game against Martin County.
Both teams were very methodical, and when the horn sounded at the end of the first quarter, Martin County had a narrow 16-13 lead.
Martin County’s pressure defense and the offensive duo of Luke Hale and Brayden McKenzie ignited in the second quarter to put the Cardinals on top 33-23 at the half. The Cardinals had a 14-point lead at one point, but Valley stormed to cut the lead and managed to hang around and keep it close.
Both teams played even in the third quarter, with the Cardinals still on top 47-35 heading into the fourth.
The Wildcats rallied to outscore the Cardinals 17-12 in the fourth quarter, but it was not enough. Martin County survived and advanced to the next round.
Coach Jason James commended his team’s performance, acknowledging the anticipated quickness of the Shelby Valley defense.
“I thought we played excellent defense,” James said of the win. “We knew coming in this would be a tough game. Valley is very good defensively and made us work hard for every basket. We had our chances to put them away when we got up by 14, but we didn’t play very smart at times. It was a good win, and I’m proud of my team.”
McKenzie led Martin County with 18 points, Hale followed with 17, Jacob Sturgell contributed nine, Peyton Davis added eight, Devan Maynard chipped in six and Bryson Dials scored one.
Riley Phillips led Shelby Valley with 18 points, Ethan Skylar followed with 16, Bruce Coleman added six, Braiden Tackett tallied four, Jonah Bartley and Eli Stewart each had three, and Logan Johnson contributed two.
Thursday’s game is set for 5 p.m. The winner will advance to the championship game Friday (weather permitting) against the winner of the Prestonsburg-Pikeville game.