BY BOO NEWSOME
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
LEXINGTON — Martin County couldn’t dig out of a double-digit first-half deficit that ended its run in the Sweet 16 Thursday at Rupp Arena.
Coach Jason James’ Cardinals fell 73-53 to a very athletic Frederick Douglass.
“It was just an incredible experience for our guys,” James said of the team’s appearance in the state basketball tournament. “Frederick Douglass was just too much for us. They are probably the most athletic team in the state.”
Win or not, the Cardinal faithful were also happy to flood Rupp Arena to watch their team play in the state tournament for the first time in 40 years.
“It was like one big reunion,” 1983 Lady Cards alumna Landi Davis said. “I’ve seen people here I haven’t seen in years.”
According to Davis, 1983 Cardinal alumni John C. Kirk and Bowie Clark were among the loyal fans attending the game.
The atmosphere inside the arena was energized and everyone was eager to see the 120-member Martin County-Pike Central pep band collaboration. News media swarmed the pep section when the band walked in. After warming up, the talented musicians played the school fight song.
“It was music to our ears,” Martin County cheerleader Kennadi Mollett said.
With spirit running high, the Cardinals got off to a quick start behind baskets by junior Dray Duff, senior Matt Linville and junior Brayden McKenzie. Frederick Douglass did not sit still and answered with a 10-0 run to take a 15-9 at the end of the first quarter.
The Cardinals struggled in the second. Frederick Douglass kept changing the defenses and Martin County committed several turnovers that led to easy baskets, including six dunks in the first half.
Coach James called a couple of timeouts to adjust and settle his team, but Frederick Douglass kept turning up the heat on defense. When the horn sounded to end the half, the Broncos had put up 30 points in the second quarter to go up 45-20.
Martin County adjusted during the break and did better against the Broncos pressure defense, outscoring Frederick Douglass 17-16 in the third. However, it wasn’t enough as the Cards trailed 61-37 after three.
Martin County won the fourth quarter 16-12 to set the final score in a 20-point loss.
“It was good for our guys to see how hard they must work in the weight room in the offseason,” said James of Frederick Douglass’ athleticism. “Hopefully we will have the chance to get back here next year and be able to compete. We have the talent and ability to do it. We just have to put in the work.”
Martin County shot 35.2% (19-54) from the field and 26% (5-19) from the 3-point range. The Cardinals pulled down 36 rebounds and finished with 20 turnovers, 11 assists and five steals.
Frederick Douglass hit 43.7% (31-71) from the field and 7.1% (1-14) from the 3-point range. The Broncos grabbed 48 rebounds and finished with 11 turnovers, 19 assists and 13 steals.
In the KHSAA postgame conference, Martin County junior Luke Hale said playing in the state tournament was “a dream come true.”
Linville added a senior’s perspective.
“It’s been a special last few days,” Linville said. “Being the only senior, I think I’ve come to appreciate it more than the others.”
McKenzie led Martin County with 11 points.
Aveion Chenault led Frederick Douglass with 18 points.
Score by quarters
FD 15 30 16 12 – 73
MC 9 11 17 16 – 53
Frederick Douglass (73) – Aveion Chenualt 18, Armelo Boone 16, Logan Busson 15, Tyson Webb 9, Kai Simpson 7, Terry Cayson 4, Jack Ngog 2, Christopher Wright 2.
Martin County (53) – Brayden McKenzie 11, Luke Hale 9, Devan Maynard 9, Dray Duff 7, Jacob Sturgell 7, Matt Linville 4, Blake Maynard 4, Peyton Davis 1, Ethan Ferrell 1.
