BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
LOUISA — Behind a dominant double-double from Maci Maynard and steady senior play from Chloe May and Sophie Harless, the Martin County Lady Cardinals defeated the Lawrence County Bulldogs 56-41 in the opening round of the 15th Region tournament Saturday.
Postseason basketball often brings familiar faces back across the floor.
When Martin County matched up with Lawrence County in the 15th Region draw, there was a storyline of shared history among players who once wore the same colors.
“We knew coming in that this would be an emotional game for our kids and staff,” Martin County head coach Robin Newsome said. “There was a lot of outside noise with the draw and a lot of emotions with the matchup. This game was about more than basketball for my kids. Our team has carried a lot this season.”
When senior point guard Brooke Marcum transferred to a nearby county for personal reasons, early-season changes forced the Lady Cardinals to regroup on the fly.
On Saturday, Coach Robin Newsome’s squad leaned into who they have become.
Maynard set the tone early with five points in the first quarter as Martin County grabbed a 10-7 lead. She was perfect at the line in the second quarter, going 4-for-4 to help the Lady Cards take a 24-20 advantage into halftime.
Maynard added a basket in the third quarter as Martin County extended the lead to 43-35, then closed strong with six points in the fourth to help hold off any Lawrence County rally.
The monster in the post poured in 17 points and pulled down a staggering 19 rebounds for a double-double. She added six assists, two blocks and a steal in one of her most complete performances of the season. And she did it while navigating foul trouble.
When Maynard controlled the paint, the seniors steadied everything else.
Chloe May delivered 15 points and seven rebounds, knocking down two clutch 3-pointers in the third quarter that helped stretch the lead. She added five points in the final period, finishing 5-of-11 from the field. She dished out two assists and swiped two steals. Her calm presence and timely shot-making kept the momentum squarely with the Lady Cards.
Sophie Harless provided the grit that defined the evening. The senior forward crashed the boards and pulled down 10 rebounds, five of them offensive. Her and-one basket proved to be a key turning point as Martin County began to seize control. Harless added two assists and two steals, playing with visible heart and determination throughout.
Makenna Marcum contributed 15 points, including a perfect 4-for-4 stretch from the charity stripe in the second quarter and three baskets in the third to keep the offense flowing. She had three rebounds, an assist and a steal.
Annaleigh Davis chipped in six points and stuffed the stat sheet with three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Desirae Gullett and Lexi Cline provided valuable minutes off the bench with Gullett grabbing two boards.
B. Marcum led Lawrence County with 17 points. Emalynn Kitts added 15 points, Maddison Artrip had six and Jada Patton scored four.
“I told them I wasn’t going to tell them how to feel,” Newsome said. “But when the ball goes up, it’s just another game. I’m proud of the way they handled it. They showed heart, toughness and class. They faced a little of everything in this game – pressure, history, heartbreak. They carried it all and walked out stronger. They made me proud to be a Cardinal.”
Martin County was scheduled to play Pikeville at the Appalachian Wireless Arena last night. Details were not available at press time.
