BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
Coach Jason James and the Martin County Cardinals opened their 2022-2023 campaign by winning two of three games on the road.
The Cardinals tamed the Russell Red Devils 73-59 in the opening game Nov. 29. On Thursday, they lost a hard-fought battle to 15th Region runner-up Pike County Central 75-67 but bounced back Saturday to dominate Cordia 84-30 in the DJ Begley Classic in Hazard.
Martin County was scheduled to play Breathitt County in the WYMT Mountain Classic on Tuesday, but details were unavailable at press time.
The Cardinals will host Perry County Central in their first home game of the season Dec. 13. On Dec. 15, Ligon COGO (Ligon) will come calling in Inez. The Cards plan to hit the road Dec. 17 to play Mongomery County in the Stock Yards Bank & Trust Challenge at Rowan County.
Below is a recap of last week’s action.
Cards tame Red Devils
RUSSELL — The Martin County Cardinals traveled to the 16th Region for their season opener Nov. 29 and tamed the Russell Red Devils 73-59.
The first quarter saw the Cardinals get off to a slow start as Damon Charles of Russell scored 10 of his 23 points to help the Red Devils to a 17-14 first-quarter lead.
The Cardinals went off in the second quarter for 31 points to take a 45-32 lead at the half.
Russell had no answer for Cardinal Brayden McKenzie as he finished the half with 17 of his 19 points.
Both teams traded baskets in the third and fourth quarters.
At the end of three, the Cardinals were up 61-44.
Martin County finished the game hitting eight 3-pointers for the night.
“I’m really proud of the effort. We were flying around defensively creating 26 turnovers,” said Martin County coach Jason James.
“We knew coming in that it was going to be a tough place to play – going out of the region against a very good team. I told our guys to all be ready, and all nine who played contributed in some way.
“The biggest difference in the game was that we were able to keep the pressure on them for 32 minutes,” added James. “Great team.”
Luke Hale led the Cardinals with 23 points and seven boards. Teammate Brayden McKenzie followed with 19 points. Sophomore Peyton Davis chalked up seven points, three assists and four cookies. Dray Duff recorded six points, seven rebounds and six steals. Matt Linville chipped in six points, six rebounds and five blocks. Blake Maynard finished with five points and six rebounds. Jacob Sturgell added four points and Ethan Ferrell finished with three.
Damon Charles led the Red Devils with 23 points, Gavin Carter finished with 17, Tatum Fleming added 12, Luke Pennington had three, and Carson Blum and Noah Quinn each added two.
SCORE BY QUARTERS
MC: 14 31 16 12 – 73
RHS: 17 15 12 15 – 59
Cards fall to PCC
PIKEVILLE — Martin County lost a hard-fought contest to 15th Region runner-up Pike County Central 75-67 Thursday on the road.
Both teams played pretty much even in the first quarter, and the Cardinals trailed 14-12 going into the second.