BY BOO NEWSOME
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Martin County bested Magoffin County 83-73 and clinched a historic three-peat of the 57th District tournament title Thursday in Inez.
The feat had not been achieved since the Inez Indians dominated the 57th District from 1949 to 1952 under the leadership of John Philip Cassady and Herbert Triplett. The record for the most straight titles still belongs to Russell Williamson’s Inez Indians, who had six in a row from 1932 to 1937.
Martin County coach Jason James weighed in on the history.
“I think it’s the first three-peat since 1951 for the boys,” the coach said. “It’s also the first time a boys team has gone 8-0 in our district since Paintsville did it in 2008.”
The atmosphere was rocking with energy. Fans for both teams were packed to the rafters and the sounds of spirited support filled the gymnasium—bands playing, cheerleaders rallying the crowd, and fans erupting into cheers.
With emotions high and the winner taking all, the stage was set between two 57th District rivals locked in a battle for the tournament title.
Magoffin County got the early lead, finishing the first quarter ahead 20-17. Devan Maynard led the Martin County scoring effort in the first quarter with six points.
Peyton Davis scored seven points to help the Cardinals retake the lead 36-31 in the second quarter.
Halftime adjustments by Coach Jason James proved instrumental as the Martin County defense picked up in the third quarter, forcing turnovers and leading to baskets. The Cardinals pushed ahead behind 10 points by senior Luke Hale to take a commanding 65-47 lead.
Despite a fighting effort from Magoffin County in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Cardinals 26-18, it was not enough to erase the deficit. The Cardinals held on for the victory.
Coach James praised his Cardinals, who also defeated Paintsville 77-58 in the opening round of the tournament Feb. 27.
“We have been playing really good basketball since the start of the year,” said James. “I thought our defense was really good in both games. When we sit down and guard and fly around on defense, we are very hard to beat. This is a special team, for sure.”
Hale led Martin County with 20 points, followed by Brayden McKenzie with 18, Jacob Sturgell with 16, Devan Maynard with 12, Peyton Davis with nine, and Bryson Dials with eight.
For Magoffin County, Zane Whitaker led with 24 points, followed by Aden Barnett with 23, Ethan Salyer with 12, Grayson Whitaker with 11, and Walker Russell with three.
With the victory, the Cardinals improved 21-9.
Martin County is set to play Betsy Layne at 7:45 p.m. Wednesday (March 6) in the 15th Region tournament quarterfinals at the Appalachian Wireless Arena in Pikeville. The winner of that game will advance to the semifinals Saturday (March 9) at 7 p.m., taking on the winner of the Pikeville-Lawrence County March 6 game.
In the other half of the bracket, on Thursday (March 7), Floyd Central plays Magoffin County at 6:30 while Pike County Central plays Johnson Central at 7:45. The winners will advance to the semifinals Saturday (March 9) at 8:45.
The championship game is set for Monday (March 11) at 7 p.m.
