NAUGATUCK — The Martin County Lady Cardinals declawed Tug Valley 59-53 in a game Thursday at Tug Valley.

The Lady Cardinals were back-to-back games, coming off a big win over Johnson Central the day before.
Katie Marcum led the way with six points, while Sophie Harless, Kennadi Mollett and Laken Williams all knocked down 3-pointers to put Martin County up 15-7 in the first quarter.

Kenzie Browning got going for the Panthers, scoring eight points, as Tug Valley took the second quarter 16-11.

The Lady Cards were up 26-23 at the half.

Both teams played even 12-12 in the third quarter, with the Cardinals in front 38-35 going into the fourth.
The last quarter saw both teams shooting a lot of free throws. The Panthers went 7-for-12 from the free-throw line, and the Lady Cards shot 10-for-11 for 91%. Brooke Marcum knocked down 5-of-6 free throws, and Allen came up big with nine of her 11 points.

Martin County won the fourth quarter 21-18 to improve to 21-4 on the season.

The Lady Cards shot 19-for-43 field goals for 43%, and Tug Valley shot 19-for-59 for 32%.

The Panthers won the war on the boards 39-28.

Martin County had a season-high 27 deflections and handed out 16 assists.

The big difference in the game was free throws. The Panthers went 11-for-24 free throws for 46%, while the Lady Cards sunk 14-of-17 for 82%.

“This was a lot better contest than the first game we played,” Martin County Coach Robin Newsome said.

“Our legs weren’t what they needed to be in this one with playing back-to-back nights. Tug Valley played a great game and has a solid team. I’m proud of the kids for pulling out the win.”

K. Marcum led Martin County with 22 points, Alyssa Allen followed with 11, Laken Williams netted 10, B. Marcum finished with seven, and Mollette, Harless and May knocked down treys for three points each.
Browning led the Panthers with a game-high 23 points, Bailee Hall followed with 12, Haven Deskins added 10, Haley Gilman finished with six and Kristin Fields chipped in two.