Martin County hits 12 from deep
BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
PIKEVILLE — The Appalachian Wireless Arena was the stage for an impressive performance by Coach Robin Newsome’s Lady Cards (7-4) during Saturday’s 15th Region All “A” Classic. Propelling the team to a commanding 72-35 victory over East Ridge (6-5), Brooke Marcum lit up the scoreboard with 19 points and Maci Maynard delivered another double-double.
“It’s always hard coming back after a long trip and getting your flow back,” Coach Newsome said. “Best we shot the ball all year, especially from the 3.”
Martin County kept the nets swinging in this one with 12 3-pointers to account for half of their scoring. Marcum claimed five of those shots from deep to go with seven rebounds.
The Lady Cardinals struck first on the board after a Sophie Harless inbound found Maynard under the basket coming off senior Candace Spaulding’s screen.
“We had 21 assists—the most we have had all year,” remarked Newsome. “The kids are looking for the open player and sharing the ball, making better decisions.”
Junior Chloe May swung a pass to Marcum on the wing for a 3-ball and a 5-0 lead.
“Chloe is starting to get back on track after coming back off a long lay-off with a broken foot,” she said of her shooting guard.
A Spaulding steal led to May calling her own number from the corner.
Martin County jumped out to a 9-0 lead and never looked back.
Maynard shot over 70% from the floor on her way to 15 rebounds and 12 points for the double-double.
May was hot from behind the arc with four 3-pointers and 16 points. She pulled down five boards off the glass.
Seventh-grade phenomenon Makenna Marcum was 3-4 from deep. She finished the night with 11 points and a rebound.
“Our two middle school kids Annaleigh Davis and Makenna Marcum are starting to adjust from middle school ball to high school ball, which is a big adjustment to make,” Newsome said. “They are giving us a big lift coming in and playing valuable minutes.”
Spaulding connected for six points and crashed the boards six times. Harless pulled down four rebounds and hit a bucket for two points.
Desirae Gullett, Alivia Stacy and Annaleigh Davis each hit for two and had a rebound.
Angelina Moore and Caylee Moore both pulled one off the glass.
On playing with a younger team this season, Coach Newsome commented, “It’s a process. We had a very short preseason due to various reasons, but things are starting to come together. I can see improvement in several areas, but we still have a ways to go. This group can be as good as they want. It’s just a matter of committing to the process, being all in and putting in the work.”
The snow and ice storm has altered the schedule for the Lady Cards.
“This weather has impacted our prep time in the gym,” explained Newsome. “We played Saturday and our kids haven’t been able to get back to the gym since. Hopefully it’s safe for them to get back out before our next game.”
The girls move to the second round of the All “A” tournament Wednesday (Jan. 8.) at 7:30 p.m. versus Pikeville. The winner will advance to the championship game Saturday at 5 p.m. to take on the winner of Betsy Layne and Paintsville.