Classic to bring top talent

BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — The 2024 Zip Zone Express Tip-Off Classic again brings some of the best basketball teams in the state to Inez. The highly touted showcase is set for Nov. 30 at Martin County High School.

“We expect our lineup to draw a large crowd in,” Martin County Coach Jason James said of the event. “We have multiple teams that are favorites to win their regions. Tug Valley won the single A. It’s going to be a good day of basketball.”

Shelby Valley and Chapmanville will kick off the action at 11 a.m.

Ashland will then face off against Breathitt County at 12:15 p.m.

Hazard will take on Newport at 1:35 p.m.

Boyd County and Adair will have a fast-paced matchup in the following time slot.

Harlan and Lyon County square up for a rematch from the KHSAA state tournament at 4:05.

The Eagles of Johnson Central will take on Tug Valley at 6:40 p.m.

Martin County will face off in the nightcap against George Washington out of West Virginia at 8 p.m. Featuring sharpshooter Peyton Davis and transfer student Parker Watts, the Cards are sure to put on a show. Bryson Dials returns as one of the top players in his class at the guard position.

Coach Robin Newsome’s Lady Cardinals will take on Tug Valley in an event slot (time to be announced). The squad finished the season 21-12 as the 57th District runner-up and features Brooke Marcum, who was recently named to the top 10 players by Rise Up Magazine.

“The Zip Zone is the top preseason basketball event in the state of Kentucky,” Newsome said. “No other event comes close.”

The event proceeds benefit all Martin County High School sports.

“I’d like to thank Zip Zone for putting on this special event for our area,” James said. “People come from different states to Martin County to watch some of the best basketball in the mountains. Without people like the Booth family, James Mills and Sandy Feltner, this event wouldn’t be possible.”

Ticket prices will be announced at a later date.