BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
PIKEVILLE — Martin County Lady Cardinals defeated Floyd County Central 75-69 Monday night in the opening round of the 15th Region Tournament at Appalachian Wireless Arena in Pikeville.
With the win, the Lady Cards advance to the semifinal at 6:30 p.m. Friday to face defending 15th Region champion Pikeville.
Junior Laken Williams scored 32 points and was named player of the game in the fast-paced contest with Floyd Central.
The Jaguars wasted no time and jumped out to a 20-13 lead in the first quarter.
Williams scored seven points to lead the Lady Cards in the opening frame.
The offense slowed in the second half for the Jaguars as the Lady Cards held them to six points.
Martin County went on a 22-6 run behind 11 points by Williams and seven by Alyssa Allen to go up 35-22 at halftime.
Both teams played even in the third quarter with 16 points apiece.
Floyd Central put a chaser on Williams attempting to get her under control,but her teammates stepped up to help carry the load and hit the big shots. Williams, Allen and Kennadi Mollett allknocked down treys. Martin County had a 51-42 lead when the quarter ended.
Floyd Central rallied in the fourth quarter to cut the lead to four, but Martin County answered.
The Lady Cards hit 14 of 21 free throws in the fourth as Floyd Central was fouling to stop the clock, trying to get back in the game. Williams scored 10 points and Katie Marcum followed with seven as Martin County held on for the win.
Williams scored a game-high 32 points to lead Maritn County. Allen had another solid performance with 16 points, while K. Marcum was good for 12, Brooke Marcum added seven, Mollett finished with five, and Sophie Harless chipped in three.
Kennedy Harvel led Floyd Central with 24 points, Madilyn Meade had 17, Riley Compton added 13, Jada Johnson canned six, Chelsea Johnson flipped in five, and Kaylee Hall and Allie Adkins each scored two.
Martin County moves to 26-5 on the year.
The Cardinals won the war on the boards outrebounding Floyd Central 36-21.
Coach Robin Newsome’s squad committed only 11 turnovers.
“This was a big-time performance,” Newsome said. “This team has improved so much since November. I am so very proud of all of them. Our bench did another great job tonight. They had fun out there tonight. They beat a very solid team who started three seniors. Everyone contributed to this win. It was a total team effort. These kids have had an amazing season.”
The winner of the game between Martin County and Pikeville will advance to the championship at 4 p.m. Saturday.
