BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
For the first time in program history, the Martin County High School softball team can call itself a district winner.
The Lady Cardinals’ 4-2 victory over Paintsville on March 24 was a breakthrough decades in the making.
Since the school’s opening in the 2019-20 academic year, Martin County had never won a 57th District game. Even when including its predecessor, Sheldon Clark High School, district success had been rare. Before this season, county softball teams had earned just 10 district victories over a 28-year span, dating back to 1998.
Martin County took control early against Paintsville and delivered one of its most complete performances in recent memory, combining timely hitting with steady defense to secure the decision. When the final out was recorded, it marked the end of a long drought and the beginning of a new chapter for the Lady Cardinals.
As a county, the Lady Cards have not won a district game in 15 years.
Sheldon Clark recorded district victories over Paintsville in 1999, 2003, 2004, 2010 and 2011, along with an 11-1 win against Johnson Central, May 12, 2005. The Cardinals also picked up four wins against Magoffin County, sweeping the Hornets twice in both 2002 and 2003. However, Sheldon Clark never defeated Lawrence County in district play.
Since the opening of Martin County High School, a district victory had remained elusive.
Until now.
The historic win highlights a promising start to the 2026 season for Head Coach Boo Newsome and the Lady Cardinals, who sit at 3-3 through their first six games.
Martin County opened the season March 19 with a 10-0 loss in six innings at Breathitt County, but quickly rebounded with a 13-11 win over Elliott County at home March 21. The Lady Cardinals split a doubleheader that day, falling to Mingo Central 3-0 in the second game.
Following the milestone win over Paintsville, Martin County dropped a high-scoring home contest to Tolsia 18-7 before responding with a dramatic 17-16 victory over Fairview at home March 26.
The Lady Cards were scheduled to play at Belfry (5-6) in the All ‘A’ Classic last night. Details were not available at press time.