CITIZEN STAFF REPORT
INEZ — Martin County Lady Cardinals defeated the Paintsville Lady Tigers 56-41 Monday in the opening round of the 57th District Tournament at Martin County High School.
Supporters came out in full force to cheer on the Lady Cardinals.
Katie Marcum opened the scoring for Martin County with an assist from Alyssa Allen. Laken Williams extended the lead with a 3-pointer, assisted by Allen, putting the Lady Cards ahead 5-0. The team came out in man-to-man defense, providing support against Paintsville’s Emma Preece. Marcum led the Lady Cards with six points in the quarter.
The Lady Cards unleashed their offense in the second quarter, scoring 19 points. Williams led the charge with five points, Allen and Brooke Marcum contributed four each, and Kennadi Mollett drained a trey. Martin County had a 28-22 lead at halftime.
Martin County stifled Paintsville’s offense in the third quarter, allowing only two field goals. Meanwhile, the Lady Cards came out on fire to dominate the period 17-12 behind three 3-pointers by Williams, K. Marcum and B. Marcum. Martin County led 44-34 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Lady Cards intensified their defense, limiting Paintsville to seven points in the fourth quarter. Paintsville resorted to fouling, but the Lady Cards maintained their composure to advance to the 57th District Championship game Wednesday night.
Coach Robin Newsome attributed the victory to her team’s exceptional defense and team play.
“They did exactly what we asked them to do on defense,” Newsome said. “I’m so very proud of these kids.”
The coach added, “Our crowd was amazing.”
Williams had a standout performance, hauling in a double-double with 20 points and a career-high 15 rebounds. B. Marcum and K. Marcum each contributed 11 points. B. Marcum, Allen and Mollett’s defensive efforts were crucial. Allen scored eight points and limited Paintsville’s Kyle Kinner to just nine points. Mollett added four points, while Maci Maynard chipped in two.
Leading the way for Paintsville, Emma Preece scored 21 points, Kinner nine, Emma Keeton added five, and K.K. Vannoy and Karah Lafferty three each.
The Lady Cards (20-10) will compete for the District championship Wednesday (Feb. 28). They are asking all Martin County fans to come out and pack the gym.