BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Another versatile scoring threat will be joining the Cardinals’ roster for the 2026-27 season. Aiden Barker, a 6-foot-4 senior who played at Morgan County last season, will finish his high school career in a Martin County uniform.
Barker averaged 19.6 points and 6.1 rebounds across 12 appearances for the Cougars during the 2025-26 campaign. He scored 235 points while shooting 51.6% from the field, 40% from behind the arc and 73.3% at the free-throw line.
“He can play multiple positions,” Martin County head coach Jason “JJ” James said. “He scores at all three levels and is a really good defender as well. I’m really excited about him.”
Barker’s junior-year production represented a significant jump from his sophomore season at Elliott County.
He played all 26 games for the Lions during the 2024-25 season, averaging 11 points and four rebounds per contest. Barker totaled 287 points and shot an efficient 57.3% from the floor, including 39.1% from 3-point range.
His scoring average increased by 8.6 points per game the following season at Morgan County. His rebounding climbed from four to 6.1 per outing. Barker also improved at the free-throw line, rising from 58.3% as a sophomore to 73.3% as a junior.
One of Barker’s biggest performances came against Rowan County where he poured in 46 points.
Barker becomes the fifth major addition to a Martin County roster that was already reshaped by four incoming players earlier this summer.
The Cardinals added Keaton Terry and Jay Brock from Chapmanville in West Virginia, along with Preston Slone and Andrew Meeks from 57th District rival Paintsville.
Terry, a 6-foot-7 forward in the 2028 class, averaged 15 points and 14 rebounds while helping Chapmanville capture the West Virginia Class AAA state championship. He recorded 23 points and 19 rebounds in the title game to earn tournament MVP honors.
Brock is a 6-foot-4 combo guard in the 2028 class who averaged 14 points and five assists while shooting nearly 48% from behind the arc. He scored 20 points in Chapmanville’s state championship victory and earned a spot on the Class AAA All-Tournament Team.
Slone, a 6-foot guard in the 2027 class, led Paintsville in 3-point shooting at approximately 42% last season. He provides Martin County with another ball-handler and dependable perimeter threat.
Meeks, also a 6-foot guard in the 2027 class, brings toughness, defensive versatility and experience competing in high-profile 57th District and 15th Region matchups.
Brayden Marcum returns for the Cardinals and will make a run at being the top defensive player in the Region.
The newcomers will help James retool the lineup following the departures of Braxton Keathley, Bryson Dials, Jaxson Pack and Chase Hinkle. Keathley transferred to Prolific Prep in Florida for his senior season, Dials moved to Lawrence County and Hinkle joined Paintsville. Pack transferred back to Belfry after he played for the Pirates last season.
James believes Barker’s combination of size, shooting and defensive versatility gives Martin County a chance at Rupp.
“I think he gives us all the pieces needed to win the region,” James said.
Barker can stretch the floor from behind the arc, score off the bounce and use his size around the basket. On the other end, James expects his length and ability to guard multiple positions to fit well with a group that could make defense one of its strengths.
The Cardinals continued building chemistry during offseason competition where James came away encouraged by the group’s style of play.
“This is going to be a team everyone gets behind because of how unselfish they are,” James said. “I watched them in Florida last weekend and was really excited from what I saw. This also has the potential to be a great defensive team.”