BY BOO NEWSOME
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

WARFIELD — The Martin County Middle School Cardinals boys basketball team romped Paintsville 47-25 on Eighth Grade Night Jan. 25 at home, then knocked off Louisa 49-41 in the Rise Above Classic played Jan. 27 at the Booth Center in Inez.

Below is a recap of both games.

MCMS 47, PMS 25

Aiden Copeland scored 15 points to lead the Cardinals over Paintsville 47-25 in a home game Jan. 25.

Martin County established a 19-10 lead by the end of the first quarter.

Brayden Marcum knocked down three treys on his way to 11 first-quarter points for Martin County.

Both teams played evenly in the second quarter scoring 12 points. Copeland scored nine of his 15 points in the second period to help the Cardinals to a 31-13 lead going into the half.

The Cardinals controlled the game from start to finish.

Copeland led the Cardinals with 15 points, Marcum followed with 11, Jaxon Pack contributed eight, Jayden Yates netted six, Chase Hinkle scored five and Braxton Ramey chipped in two.

MCMS 49, LMS 41

INEZ — Martin County rallied in the second half to come from behind and defeat Louisa Middle School 49-41 in the Rise Above Classic played Jan. 27.

The Cardinals trailed 16-12 after the first quarter and were down 25-20 at halftime. They picked up their defense in the second half and held Louisa to 16 points.

The Martin County offense exploded for 31 second-half points for the win.

Aiden Copeland scored a game-high 22 points to lead Martin County, Brayden Marcum finished with 11 points, Jayden Yates netted nine, Jaxon Pack added four, Tyler Goble and Bradley Hatfield each scored two and Chase Hinkle added one point.