BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
PIKEVILLE — The Martin County Lady Cardinals fell to Pikeville 55-34 in the 15th Region semifinals March 2 at Appalachian Wireless Arena in Pikeville.
The Lady Cards struggled to establish offensive rhythm and trailed 12-4 at the end of the first quarter and 27-10 at halftime.
Pikeville capitalized on their three-point shooting, connecting on 9 of 20 attempts from beyond the arc for 45%.
The Lady Panthers outscored Martin County 13-10 in the third quarter to extend their lead to 40-20 in the third quarter. Despite a late Martin County push led by Laken Williams, the Lady Cards fell short.
Martin County coach Robin Newsome gave the opponent credit.
“Pikeville is a very good basketball team,” she said. “They shoot the ball extremely well, and we had a very tough draw to overcome.”
With the loss, Martin County closed the season with a 21-11 record.
The coach reflected on the 2023-2024 campaign.
“We had a blessed season, winning 21-11, finishing runner-up in the district,” said Newsome. “Not where we wanted to finish, but the kids competed hard. We played a very hard schedule. I’m very proud of this team. This loss does not define what this team has accomplished.”
Seniors Laken Williams, Katie Marcum, Alyssa Allen and Kennadi Mollett have committed to college teams for the 2024-2025 season.
“Our four seniors are all going on to compete at the next level,” remarked Newsome. “They have done so much for our program. We will miss them not only as players but as part of our Cardinal family.”
Williams led Martin County with 10 points, while Allen finished with nine, and K. Marcum, B. Marcum and Chloe May each added five.
For Pikeville, Kyera Thornsbury led with 18 points, followed by Rylee Theiss with 12, Trinity Rowe with 11, Kristen Whited and Kylie Alvin with six each, and Shyla Kidd with two.
