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Estep places fourth KHSAA Girls State Wrestling Championships
BY BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LEXINGTON — Martin County High School wrestler Kenleigh Estep made history Saturday in the KHSAA Girls State Wrestling Tournament at Alltech Arena in Lexington. The seventh-grader finished fourth in the state in the 100-pound weight class, becoming the first female from Martin County to place in the state tournament. Estep opened her
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Kristen Isaac to lead Martin County volleyball program
BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — A familiar face will lead the Martin County High School volleyball program this fall. Kristen Isaac, a 2020 Martin County graduate and former Lady Cardinals standout, has been hired as the school’s new head volleyball coach, Principal Michelle Harless announced. For Isaac, the opportunity is a return to the
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Panthers claw Billies on Senior Night
BY KYLE LOVERN MOUNTAIN CITIZEN NAUGATUCK, W.Va. — It was Senior Night for the Tug Valley Panthers as four upperclassmen played their final regular-season game at the TVHS gym at Naugatuck. The four included Braydun Ferris, Bryson Elia, Carson Newsome and Jace Hale. They did not disappoint the hometown crowd, downing regional rival Man 73-56
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Lady Panthers defeat Calhoun County to advance in regional tourney
BY KYLE LOVERN MOUNTAIN CITIZEN NAUGATUCK, W.Va. — The Tug Valley Lady Panthers, ranked No. 3 in Class A heading into the postseason, defeated visiting Calhoun County Red Devils 66-24 Thursday night at the TVHS gym. The convincing victory came in the Class A Region IV girls’ basketball semifinals. Tug Valley had a solid defensive effort,
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Martin County wrestling finishes 1A runner-up; Muncy named Coach of the Year
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LEXINGTON — Martin County arrived at the 2026 KHSAA State Wrestling Tournament with purpose and left with pride. The Cardinals claimed 1A State Runner-Up honors, placed three wrestlers on the podium, finished among the top 10 teams overall and saw coach Josh Muncy named the Coach of the Year at
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Martin County Cardinals find rhythm
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — By February, Martin County was no longer searching for its identity. It had one. The No. 1 seed in the 57th District Tournament, the Cardinals finished the regular season 19-8. They scored 2,154 points in 27 games — nearly 80 per night — while shooting 50.7% from the field and
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Lady Cards eliminated by Paintsville in 57th District
BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PAINTSVILLE — Martin County opened fast and grabbed its biggest lead of the night in the opening seconds, but Paintsville answered with a long run and pulled away for a 77-42 win Monday in the first round of the 57th District Tournament at Johnson Central High School. The Lady Cards struck
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West, Mays claim state wrestling titles
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LOUISVILLE — Martin County Youth Wrestling crowned two state champions Feb. 22 in the 2026 Youth State Tournament at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. Jason West and Lukas Mays each climbed to the top of the podium in their respective age groups, delivering another strong statement from Martin County’s
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First State Bank Players of the Week: Devan Maynard and Chloe May
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Devan Maynard and Chloe May are the First State Bank Players of the Week. Maynard of the Martin County Cardinals basketball team turned in a dominant performance in the Cardinals’ 82-72 road win at Shelby Valley. The senior posted a monster double-double with 17 points and 21 rebounds,
