BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — The 15th Region got shaken up this offseason. Four student-athletes have relocated to Inez over the summer break.
Martin County, coming off a 22-10 campaign, a 15th Region All “A” championship and an Elite Eight finish in the All ‘A’ Classic state tournament, is loading up for the 2026-2027 season with a mix of proven returners and high-profile transfers.
The Cardinals will bring back Kentucky’s MaxPreps Player of the Year in 6-foot-5 combo guard Braxton Keathley, while adding size, shooting, defensive versatility and championship experience around him.
Head coach Jason “JJ” James said the movement speaks to what Martin County basketball has become.
“I think that says a lot of kids want to be part of a great program,” James said. “We’ve been the most dominant boys team in the region this decade.”
James pointed to five district championships, three All ‘A’ championships, two Elite Eight appearances and two 15th Region championships during that stretch. The Cardinals have also finished as 15th Region runner-up twice.
“They are very hard to win, but we want to keep competing for it,” James said. “With these guys here now to go along with our core group, that’s exactly what we are going to do. I think when you build something great, kids want to be a part of it.”
One of the biggest additions is 6-foot-7 power forward Keaton Terry, a 2028 standout from Chapmanville. Terry has a 6-foot-11 wingspan and was one of the top rebounders in West Virginia last season. He averaged 15 points and 14 rebounds while helping lead Chapmanville to the West Virginia Class AAA state championship.
Terry was named tournament MVP after posting 23 points and 19 rebounds in the championship game. He already holds a Division I offer from South Carolina State.
Martin County also adds 6-foot guard Preston Slone, a 2027 transfer from 57th District rival Paintsville. Slone led the Tigers in 3-point percentage last season at 42%. He gives the Cardinals another experienced backcourt player who has played in big district and regional games.
Slone brings perimeter shooting, ball-handling and the ability to find open teammates. His arrival gives Martin County another guard with a high basketball IQ and the versatility to play multiple positions.
Jay Brock, a 6-foot-4 combo guard in the 2028 class, also transfers in from Chapmanville. Brock shot close to 48% from 3-point range last season and averaged 14 points and five assists per game. He was a consistent double-digit scorer with multiple 20-point outings and came up big in the state tournament.
Brock scored 20 points in the West Virginia Class AAA championship game and was named to the All-Tournament Team. He also earned honorable mention All-State honors for the 2025-2026 season.
Andrew Meeks, a 6-foot guard in the 2027 class, joins the Cardinals from Paintsville after playing an important role in the Tigers’ success over the last two seasons. Meeks brings experience, toughness and the ability to guard multiple positions. He has played in high-profile matchups in the 57th District and 15th Region and will give Martin County another veteran presence on and off the court.
James said the Cardinals will have to stay focused and block out the naysayers.
“Noise is just that,” James said. “Every school gets transfers. It’s just the way it is. I’ve been blessed to have some incredibly talented kids who want to move here and be part of it. For every negative comment made, I’ve probably had 10 positive ones. True basketball fans of Martin County are fired up and ready for the season.”
The additions have created plenty of excitement, but they have also raised concerns among some Martin County families who have watched local players grow up in the program and may wonder what the changes mean for their sons.
James said the returning players and local foundation remain vital to the program.
“When kids come here, they are now a part of the family and community. These kids are so excited to be here because of how fans come out and support us at home and on the road. We have the most passionate fan base around.”
James said the coaching staff has worked to build something players want to be part of.
“I truly feel like our coaching staff and I have made this program something special and people want to be a part of it,” James said.
Keathley headlines the Cardinals’ returning core, averaging 33.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 2.7 steals while shooting 56.7% from the field. He earned First-team All-State honors and was named Kentucky MaxPreps Player of the Year for the 2025-2026 season.
Brayden Marcum, a 6-foot guard in the 2028 class, returns after proving himself as an elite on-ball defender last season. Marcum led the Cardinals in steals while averaging close to seven points per game. His energy and toughness made him one of the most valuable defensive pieces on the roster.
Chase Hinkle is also expected to take on a bigger role with expanded minutes. The versatile scorer and rebounder delivered clutch production off the bench last season and brings a deep-range threat that gives the Cardinals another dimension when he gets hot.
Jaxson Pack, a 6-foot-7 center, adds more size and physicality after playing for Belfry’s 21-win 60th District championship team. Pack averaged 3.5 rebounds per game and shot close to 54% from the field off the bench last season. He returns to Martin County, where he began his high school career.
A young group that includes Luke Preece, Jayden Yates and Noah McCoy will also look to provide quality minutes.
With that much talent, James answered whether sharing one basketball could become a challenge.
He does not believe it will.
“All of these kids are very unselfish,” James said. “If they were selfish, they wouldn’t want to play together.”
He said Martin County’s high-tempo play will create opportunities.
“Our style of play is fast,” James said. “Thirty-two minutes of pressure and up and down the court. When you do that, there are plenty of touches for everyone. My rule is, and has been, just make the right play. The basketball gods will award you. For the most part, they do that.”
James said the late Ronnie Hickman, newspaper sports editor in Martin County for 36 years and a beloved supporter of local athletics, would have enjoyed the excitement surrounding the program.
“I know our buddy Ronnie would absolutely be more fired up than even I am right now,” James said with a laugh. “Martin County basketball will be must-see TV this winter.”