Martin County eliminates Betsy Layne in 15th Region quarterfinals

March 13, 2024

Martin County eliminates Betsy Layne in 15th Region quarterfinals

**Jacob Sturgell battles his way into the lane through tough Bobcat defense.** *(Citizen photo by Boo Newsome)*

BY BOO NEWSOME
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

PIKEVILLE — The Martin County Cardinals eliminated the Betsy Layne Bobcats 67-60 in the quarterfinals of the 15th Region tournament March 6 at Appalachian Wireless Arena in Pikeville.

This battle was marked by fast-paced play as both teams sought to push the tempo.

Despite Betsy Layne’s having several first-quarter turnovers, the Bobcats managed to stay within striking distance, trailing 16-14 at the end of the opening period.

The score was knotted at 17-17 with 7:15 remaining in the second quarter, but Martin County pushed ahead 33-28 by halftime behind Brayden McKenzie’s 13 first-half points.

**Senior Brayden McKenzie leaps into the air to grab the tip ball for a Martin County possession.** *(Citizen photo by Boo Newsome)*

**Martin County sophomore Devan Maynard holds the ball up top while the offense is working.** *(Citizen photo by Boo Newsome)*

The Cardinals extended their lead to 39-31 with 5:29 left in the third quarter. However, Betsy Layne mounted a 5-0 run to narrow the deficit to 46-45 with 1:28 remaining in the period.

Martin County held on to a 48-45 lead heading into the final quarter.

A huge 3-pointer by Betsy Layne leveled the score at 48-48 with 7:34 remaining in the fourth quarter. The lead traded throughout the final period, with Betsy Layne holding a 60-59 advantage with 1:43 left.

Martin County staged a late surge to regain the lead with 1:30 remaining and secure the victory.

**Brayden McKenzie of Martin County lets one fly behind the arc.** *(Citizen photo by Boo Newsome)*

Coach Jason James’ Cardinals shot 49% from the field, hitting 22 of 45 attempts. The Cardinals were also efficient from the free-throw line, making 18 of 21 attempts (85%).

“I’m really proud that they gutted it out and got the win,” James said. “We didn’t play our best basketball but found a way to win. Give Betsy Layne a lot of credit: they played extremely hard and extremely well.”

**Eighth-grader Bryson Dials inbounds the ball for Martin County.** *(Citizen photo by Boo Newsome)*

McKenzie led Martin County with 25 points and six rebounds. Jacob Sturgell followed with 18 points and seven boards, Peyton Davis notched 11 points, Luke Hale contributed seven points, Devan Maynard added four and Bryson Dials chipped in two.

For Betsy Layne, Carter Parsons led with 18 points, followed by Andrew Kidd with 17, Cameron Pente with nine, Tanner Martin with eight, Tanner Hall with six and Grayson Hall with two.