Martin County Middle School girls split games at Belfry Panorama

Paige Stafford watches the defense while handling the ball at a summer game last month in Prestonsburg. (Citizen photo by Brittni McCoy)

BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

BELFRY — Martin County Middle School opened its 2026 girls basketball season by splitting a pair of games Saturday at the Belfry Panorama.

The Lady Cards fell to Dorton 38-13 in their opening contest before bouncing back to defeat Phelps 34-24 later in the day.

Cardinal Harper Runyon eyes the basket during a free throw attempt in summer play last month in Floyd County. (Citizen photo by Brittni McCoy)

Dorton 38, Martin County 13

Dorton jumped in front early and handed Martin County a 38-13 loss.

Paige Stafford led Martin County with five points and connected from 3-point land. Harper Howell, Makenna Fletcher and Martha Maynard chipped in two points apiece. Braylee Horn added one from the free-throw line.

Maynard grabbed three rebounds and Runyon pulled down one.

Dorton’s Mullins led all scorers with 17 points and buried five shots from beyond the arc. Dixon and Henriquez followed with five points apiece.

Athlete Kenleigh Estep plays in a high school summer game in June at Prestonsburg. She will suit up for the MCMS Lady Cardinals program this season.   (Citizen photo by Brittni McCoy)

Martin County 34, Phelps 24

The Lady Cards regrouped in their second game and came out firing against Phelps.

Martin County blitzed the Hornets in the opening period to build a 20-12 advantage. The Lady Cards added 14 in the final frame to secure the 34-24 victory.

Stafford powered the offensive attack with a game-high 16 points on eight field goals. She also dished out three assists.

Runyon joined her in double figures with 11 points. She knocked down all five of her field-goal attempts and her lone free throw. She also recorded an assist and a steal.

Hope Dials chipped in four points and Maynard scored two. Horn handed out one assist for the Lady Cards.

Martin County will continue its preseason slate July 31 and Aug. 1 at Expression Prep in Huntington. The Lady Cards will host Johnson County for their home opener Monday evening.

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