BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
OWENSBORO — Martin County traveled to the other side of the state last week for the All ‘A’ state tournament at the Owensboro Sportscenter. Defending KHSAA state champion Lyon County defeated the Cards 72-53.
Peyton Davis hit the scoreboard first for the Cards on a trey from the wing.
Martin County’s Devan Maynard tickled the twine from deep to take a 6-5 lead over the Lyons.
Lyon County stepped it up to end the first quarter with a 17-10 advantage.
The Cardinals fell behind by 21 points, but the 15th region All ‘A’ champ wasn’t going to go down without a fight.
Coach Jason “JJ” James upped the antics with a full-court press that allowed Martin County back in the game.
Maynard drove past the Lyon County defense and went for the up-and-under to force a timeout after getting the Cards within 10 points.
Two Cardinal steals and scores to open the fourth quarter had the Cardinals within striking distance at 51-45.
With Martin County’s stifling defense, Parker Watts picked a pocket and drove for two.
Another Maynard score kept the faith alive with under three minutes remaining and down only seven points.
Lyon County would go on a 14-2 run to advance to the second round.
Maynard led the Cards with 17 points on 62% shooting from the floor. He pulled down six boards off the glass.
Watts hit double digits with 14 points and nine rebounds.
Bryson Dials hit for 11 points and had one rebound.
Davis finished the contest with eight points.
Brayden Estep was just under his average with eight rebounds and three points.
Eli Mills and Jaxson Pack each pulled down a rebound.