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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,
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Martin County closes season with 82-72 win at Shelby Valley
BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN PIKEVILLE — Martin County closed the regular season Feb. 18 with an 82-72 road win at Shelby Valley. Coach Jason “JJ” James’ Cardinals shot 29-of-61 from the field (47.5%), connected on 16-of-39 from 3-point range (41%) and went 8-of-10 at the free-throw line in an offensive effort powered by big performances
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Lady Cardinals top Magoffin County, lock up No. 3 seed
BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN SALYERSVILLE — Martin County Lady Cards closed the regular season on a high note Feb. 19. They defeated Magoffin County 59-43 to secure the No. 3 seed in the 57th District Tournament. This was the Lady Cards’ fourth straight win as they earned a first-round district matchup against Paintsville, Monday, Feb.
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Tug Valley goes 2-1 in grueling week
BY KYLE LOVERN MOUNTAIN CITIZEN Tug Valley’s week unfolded like a postseason preview — an overtime stumble, a statement home win and a hard-earned road victory against higher-class competition. The No. 1-ranked Panthers fell 64-52 in overtime to Huntington St. Joe on Feb. 18, then answered with back-to-back wins over Tucker County and Bluefield to
