BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Martin County returns a seasoned core and adds the state’s leading scorer in 2025-26 as it chases a trip to Rupp Arena. Coach Jason “JJ” James’ Cardinals are coming off a 21-9 campaign that included a 57th District championship, an All “A” regional crown and a 15th Region runner-up finish.
Martin County averaged 80.0 points while shooting 47.8% from the field and 35.3% from 3 last season, outscoring opponents 2,397–2,077 over 30 games. Graduated stars Parker Watts (27.5 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 47.2 FG%, 71.4 FT%) and Peyton Davis (17.0 ppg, 48.9% 3PT) fueled that attack, leaving big numbers to replace.
The headliner is new: 6-foot-5 junior guard Braxton Keathley, the state’s scoring leader last season, transferred in after his family relocated to Inez. He joins a proven group of returners: senior guard Bryson Dials (14.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 68 3s), senior forward Devan Maynard (9.3 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 57.5 FG%), senior shooter Eli Mills (5.3 ppg; 41 made 3s at 42.3%) and senior Alan Moore (64.7 FG%). Depth comes from sophomores Brayden Marcum, Aiden Copeland and Chase Hinkle and senior Braxton Maynard.
For Keathley, the standard is clear.
“Since I’ve been here everyone has been great,” he said. “They’ve helped me become better on and off the court. We all want a championship. That’s the main goal. Get some good wins and get the fans excited. Highs and lows, we’re determined to get better through it. We’re not worried about tomorrow; we’re worried about today.”
Keathley believes the payoff will come from the work put in beforehand.
“In practice we’re pushing ourselves,” he said. “That’s the main thing. It’s about being the best we can be every day and being the best team we can be. We’re excited, ready to go. Fans are excited to see the team. We’re going to play hard, shoot a lot of 3s and guard. It’s going to be a fun season.”
Martin County’s rich basketball history and a hard-nosed 57th District add another layer to Keathley’s motivation.
“Every game I come in ready to go,” he said. “I’m not worried about anything but getting better. I know how good this team is. Win region. I think about it every day.”
Dials says the team’s focus has been on detail and leadership.
“A lot of defense, helping off the ball, screens, playing as a team, chemistry,” said Dials. “We’re going to be really good. It’s about putting in the work and playing 100%. The goal is to get back to Rupp. Always Rupp.”
He commented on Keathley joining the squad.
“Braxton fits in well with us and will help us a lot,” said Dials. “These kids are looking up to you. It’s about being a leader out here and helping the younger guys. Hopefully, they hold me responsible, and I hold them responsible.”
The team is gearing up for the Zip Zone Express Tip-Off Classic (Zip Zone Classic), set for Nov. 29 at Martin County. This preseason showcase brings top talent from across Kentucky and West Virginia to Inez each year. It is what Dials calls “the best in the Bluegrass.” Martin County will play Wayne (WV) in the finale at 8:50 p.m.
“Wayne is going to be really solid,” Dials said. “It will be tough, but we’re going to come out to compete.”
Moore credits an everyday approach behind his senior surge.
“Skills, getting in shape and getting better,” Moore said of his offseason. “Lifting, getting in the gym every day.”
The senior is most excited about playing with guys he has played ball with his whole life and “hopefully going to Rupp. “
Moore also mentioned the upcoming Zip Zone Classic.
“I’m excited,” he said. “A little nervous. It’s a lot of people to play in front of.”
Mills embraces the opportunity that comes with playing in the Zip Zone Classic.
“Last year was my first year really getting to play and I hit a 3. Felt awesome,” Mills said. “I love sparking the crowd and helping the team win. I know when Braxton drives, he’s looking to kick out. And I’m ready to shoot.”
Mills has goals this year.
“Get to Rupp,” he said. “I don’t care if I average 20 or three points a game, I just want to get back.”
Even with new faces in larger roles, the math remains favorable: elite efficiency (47.8 FG%), volume shooting (318 made 3s) and glass work led by Maynard. With Keathley’s scoring gravity and a returning core that can flat-out shoot, Martin County enters the 2025-26 season ready to defend its titles and make another push to cut down nets in the 15th Region.
The Cards will tip off their season at home on Dec. 2 against Floyd Central.
