BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Big-time basketball is coming back to Inez on Saturday as the Zip Zone Classic returns to Martin County High School with a star-studded lineup and some of the top talent from Kentucky and West Virginia.
Martin County Middle School will open at 10:15 a.m. against Lenore.
From there, the action rolls all day.
Paintsville and Huntington High (WV) are scheduled for 11:30 a.m., followed by Lawrence County vs. Hazard, Shelby Valley vs. Ashland, Boyd County vs. Lyon County, North Laurel vs. George Washington (WV), Martin County’s girls vs. Phelps, and Johnson Central vs. Chapmanville (WV), before the host Cardinals close the event against Wayne (WV).
For Martin County’s boys, the Classic doubles as an early measuring stick. The Cardinals are coming off a 57th District championship and 15th Region runner-up finish and bring back one of the most explosive offenses in the mountains.
Four-star guard and state scoring leader Braxton Keathley averaged more than 34 points per game last season.
Sophomore guard Bryson Dials put up 14.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per game, shooting 44% from the 3.
In the paint, senior forward Devan Maynard anchors the interior after posting 9.3 points and 7.2 rebounds per outing. Olivet Nazarene University commit Eli Mills adds another floor spacer after hitting 42% of his 3s a year ago.
Veteran Alan Moore is expected to have a huge season after flying under the radar. Aiden Copeland and Brayden Marcum round out a rotation that blends size, experience and scoring.
Keathley said the Cardinals are focused on one thing as they head into their showdown with Wayne.
“I’m ready to get a dub,” Keathley said. “All that matters this weekend is getting a win. The team has been working hard in practice and I believe we’re ready for Wayne.”
The Zip Zone Classic has grown into a staple of the November basketball calendar, known for packed stands, loud student sections and a steady stream of marquee games. It also routinely features Mr. Basketball candidates and future college standouts.
Star power will again be on display. North Laurel’s Reece Davidson returns after averaging 21.6 points and 9.4 rebounds while shooting 54% from the field and hitting nearly half his shots from three, making him an early Mr. Basketball frontrunner.
George Washington (WV) standout Noah Lewis brings length and athleticism in one of the day’s most anticipated matchups.
Johnson Central’s scoring duo of Austin Slone and Brayden Shepherd combined for more than 1,200 points last season. Slone averaged 25 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, while Shepherd hit 100 threes at a 49% clip.
Hazard’s Seth Caudill, Paintsville’s Ethan Cole, Ashland’s Elijah Neil, Boyd County’s Jacob Spurlock and Lyon County’s Noah Coffman add to a deep list of headline guards.
On the girls’ side, the Martin County Lady Cardinals will look to build momentum early as they face Phelps in the Kennadi Mollett Memorial game. Coach Robin Newsome’s squad is coming off a 16–10 campaign. The Lady Cards return a core that has already made noise in the 15th Region as the returning All ‘A’ champion.
Sophomore center Maci Maynard emerged as one of the region’s dominant posts last year, averaging 11.9 points and 12.3 rebounds while shooting 54% from the floor. She is joined by senior guard and top shooter Chloe May and veteran forward Sophie Harless to form an experienced trio.
“I’m really excited for this weekend,” May said. “I love playing in front of big crowds. I’m ready to get back out there. Last year I was hurt, but I’m 100% now. Zip Zone is one of my favorite events to play in.”
Martin County will also lean on its youth, with Annaleigh Davis, Desirae Gullett and eighth-grader Makenna Marcum expected to contribute in the backcourt as the program continues to build depth.
Phelps returns after a 19–10 season behind standout guard Caleigh McCoy, who averaged 23.6 points and shot better than 50%. Kylea Weddington posted 14.7 points and 10.6 rebounds per game.
Admission is $10 and covers every game on the schedule. Fans can expect halftime contests, performances and prize giveaways throughout the day. Proceeds will support Martin County High School athletics.