BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Martin County’s defense set the tone early and the Lady Cardinals carried it through a six-day Florida trip that mixed basketball with a New Year’s visit to Disney World. The Lady Cards defeated Jones (Florida) 40-22 on Dec. 29 at the Kissimmee Civic Center.

Annaleigh Davis led Martin County with 18 points. Maci Maynard fired in 14 and Sophie Harless flipped in eight.

Martin County jumped out to a 5-2 lead after the first quarter, stretched the margin to 24-10 at halftime and took a 32-18 advantage into the fourth.

The win capped a tournament stop that also included a team-bonding itinerary around the Orlando area.

“We work hard on the court, but we also believe in making it fun for the kids and allowing them to make lifelong memories,” Head coach Robin Newsome said. “Team memory would have to be ringing in the New Year at Magic Kingdom and watching the fireworks on Main Street as a team.”

The trip opened with shopping at Disney Springs on Day 1, followed by visits to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios on Day 2. The team spent Days 3 and 4 playing games and outlet shopping.

On New Year’s Eve, the Lady Cards started their Disney day early, rope-dropping Guardians of the Galaxy at EPCOT before closing the night with fireworks at Magic Kingdom. The group returned to EPCOT and Animal Kingdom on Day 6 before heading home.

“Our kids, parents, coaches and volunteers work hard to raise the money for the trips,” Newsome added. “We have been blessed with great sponsors, school and community support and would like to thank them all for helping make it possible for our kids to travel places they have never been.”

Martin County returned to action in the All “A” Region Tournament on Tuesday. Details will be available on the Mountain Citizen website and in next week’s print edition.