BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — The 2025–26 high school basketball season is upon us and the hottest preseason showcase in the state of Kentucky is returning to Martin County High School on Nov. 29. The Zip Zone Express Tip-Off Classic once again brings together elite programs from across the Commonwealth and West Virginia, spotlighting several of the state’s top players and Mr. Basketball contenders in a full day of action.
For the host school Martin County, expectations are high. The Cardinals enter the new season as the reigning 57th District champions and 15th Region runner-up, returning one of the most potent lineups in eastern Kentucky.
Kentucky’s leading scorer Braxton Keathley headlines Martin County’s roster after averaging more than 34 points per game. He is joined by Bryson Dials, one of the region’s most dynamic young guards, who posted 14.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per game while shooting 44% from 3-point range.
Devan Maynard provides a steady post presence for the Cardinals. The senior posted 9.3 points and 7.2 rebounds per game last season. Teammate Eli Mills adds perimeter firepower, having hit 42% of his 3s last season.
Alan Moore, Aiden Copeland and Brayden Marcum round out a Martin County rotation that blends experience with youthful energy.
Martin County head coach Jason “JJ” James said his team is eager to showcase its growth while continuing to bring top-level basketball to Martin County.
“I hope the atmosphere is great,” James said. “It’s the first year it’s being streamed, but there’s nothing like watching these athletes in-person.”
The Zip Zone Classic is famous for its electric environment — packed bleachers, regional rivalries and the unmistakable sound of mountain basketball in November. James said that excitement, both in the gym and around the community, is what makes the event special.
“We have a great lineup,” he said. “Some of the best teams and players in Kentucky and West Virginia will be here.”
That lineup includes not only some of the top programs in the state, but also multiple Mr. Basketball candidates and future collegiate stars.
“Zip Zone means so much to our program,” James said. “We’re able always to have the best of the best, and it would be very hard to have what we have without the support of the Zip Zone Classic.”
The event’s success, James added, comes from community pride and the people who make it possible year after year.
“The Classic is the best preseason showcase in the state of Kentucky,” he said. “The entire Zip Zone team, led by James Mills and Sandy Feltner, do a great job and love hosting the event. Obviously, a huge thanks to Jim Booth and family for supporting this great event.”
Martin County’s nightcap matchup against Wayne (WV) will conclude a full day of basketball featuring many of the state’s top scorers and playmakers.
The schedule begins at 11:30 a.m. with Paintsville vs. Huntington High (WV), followed by 15th Region champion Lawrence County vs. Hazard at 12:50 p.m., Shelby Valley vs. Ashland at 2:10 p.m., Boyd County vs. Lyon County at 3:30 p.m., North Laurel vs. George Washington (WV) at 4:50 p.m., Martin County girls vs. Phelps at 6:10 p.m., Johnson Central vs. Chapmanville (WV) at 7:30 p.m., and Martin County vs. Wayne (WV) at 8:50 p.m.
On the girls’ side, the Lady Cardinals also enter the new season looking to build on a strong 16–10 finish last season. Sophomore forward Maci Maynard became one of the 15th Region’s premier rebounders, averaging 12.3 boards and 11.9 points while shooting 54%.
Coach Robin Newsome said her Lady Cards squad is eager to take the floor in front of a large crowd.
“Zip Zone is and always has been the top preseason showcase in the state of Kentucky,” Newsome said. “It’s an honor to play in the event. Our players and community love this time of year and the excitement the Zip Zone brings.”
The Lady Cardinals return three key starters who will anchor a competitive roster: senior sharpshooter Chloe May, Sophie Harless and All-Region center Maynard.
“These three will be relied on heavily in all areas, but especially for their leadership,” Newsome said.
The team’s backcourt will feature three underclassmen: freshman guard Annaleigh Davis, sophomore Desirae Gullett and eighth-grader Makenna Marcum, all of whom bring skill and potential to a group focused on development.
“All three are very talented and have a bright future; they just need experience,” Newsome added. “We have a lot of youth in our program who will have to grow up fast. Overall, our program is very young and rebuilding.”
After a close game last season, the Lady Cards Zip Zone matchup with Phelps should provide plenty of entertainment. The Lady Hornets return after a 19–10 campaign powered by Caleigh McCoy. She averaged 23.6 points and shot over 50% last season. Kylea Weddington added 14.7 points and 10.6 rebounds per game.
Among the stars taking the court are several of Kentucky’s returning standouts from the 2024–25 season. Reece Davidson of North Laurel averaged 21.6 points and 9.4 rebounds per game while shooting 54% from the field and 45% from 3-point range — numbers that make him an early favorite for the Mr. Kentucky Basketball award.
Across from Davidson, Noah Lewis of George Washington (WV) brings elite athleticism and scoring ability, setting up one of the event’s most anticipated matchups.
Johnson Central features the high-scoring tandem of Austin Slone and Brayden Shepherd, who combined for over 1,200 points last year.
Slone averaged 25 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, while Shepherd connected on 100 3-pointers at a 49% clip. Their matchup with Keaton Terry and Chapmanville (WV) promises to be a high-octane battle.
Elsewhere, Seth Caudill of Hazard, Ethan Cole of Paintsville, Elijah Neil of Ashland, Jacob Spurlock of Boyd County and Noah Coffman of Lyon County headline a deep list of Kentucky’s top returning guards and shooters, all looking to make their mark early in the season.
As always, the $10 admission covers all games for the day, with halftime contests, performances and prize giveaways throughout. Proceeds from the event benefit Martin County High School athletics.
SCHEDULE
11:30 PAINTSVILLE VS HUNTINGTON HIGH (WV)
12:50 LAWRENCE COUNTY VS HAZARD
2:10 SHELBY VALLEY VS ASHLAND
3:30 BOYD COUNTY VS LYON COUNTY
4:50 NORTH LAUREL VS GEORGE WASHINGTON (WV)
6:10 MARTIN COUNTY LADY CARDS VS PHELPS HORNETS
7:30 JOHNSON CENTRAL VS CHAPMANVILLE (WV)
8:50 MARTIN COUNTY VS WAYNE (WV)