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Hatfield-McCoy Shootout schedule released: Martin County, Tug Valley to participate each night
BY KYLE LOVERN MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — One of the premier high school basketball events in the region, the 24th annual Hatfield-McCoy Shootout, is scheduled to be played again at the historic Williamson Fieldhouse on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 6 and 7. Several schools are slated to play in the two-day event, including Martin County and
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Zip Zone Classic draws huge crowd
Cards, Lady Cards deliver statement wins BY BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Zip Zone Classic again lived up to its billing Saturday at Martin County High School. Fans packed the gym for nine games that featured elite talent, wild finishes and statement wins. Those wins included both the host Cardinals and Lady Cards.
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Kiwanis welcomes Martin County athletic director, basketball stars
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Kiwanis Club welcomed Martin County High School athletic director Chuck White and basketball stars Braxton Keathley and Bryson Dials as guest speakers Thursday. The trio outlined expectations for the upcoming season and previewed this year’s Zip Zone Classic set for this Saturday, Nov. 29 at MCHS. Keathley,
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Martin County basketball locks in on Rupp, prepares for Zip Zone Classic
BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County returns a seasoned core and adds the state’s leading scorer in 2025-26 as it chases a trip to Rupp Arena. Coach Jason “JJ” James’ Cardinals are coming off a 21-9 campaign that included a 57th District championship, an All “A” regional crown and a 15th Region runner-up
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Zip Zone Classic to bring top basketball talent to Inez Nov. 29
BY BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The 2025–26 high school basketball season is upon us and the hottest preseason showcase in the state of Kentucky is returning to Martin County High School on Nov. 29. The Zip Zone Express Tip-Off Classic once again brings together elite programs from across the Commonwealth and West Virginia,
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Offseason shake-up: State’s leading scorer enrolls at Martin County
BY BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Braxton Keathley, Kentucky’s leading scorer last season, will suit up for Martin County High School this year. After his family relocated to Inez, the move led to his enrollment at the school and has created a major offseason shake-up in Kentucky high school basketball. Keathley, a 6-foot-4, 190-lb
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Tug Valley tops Tucker County to win Class A state championship
BY KYLE LOVERN MOUNTAIN CITIZEN CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Tug Valley made it back-to-back Class A state championships Saturday night with a convincing 65-45 victory over No. 2 seed Tucker County. The Panthers proved they are the best Single A team in West Virginia. Coach Garland “Rabbit” Thompson’s Panthers team entered the state tournament at the
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Proud of Cardinals, Panthers on these cold winter days
The recent extremely cold winter weather has been tough on everyone. But some good things have happened over the last week or so. Big congratulations go out to both of Martin County’s high school basketball teams. The Lady Cards, led and coached by local legend Robin Harmon Newsome, won the 15th Region All “A” Classic
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Hatfield-McCoy Shootout returns to Williamson
Tug Valley, Martin County play both nights BY KYLE LOVERN MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — Mark your calendars: The 23rd Annual Hatfield-McCoy Shootout is set to electrify the historic Williamson Fieldhouse on Feb. 7 and 8. Organizer Mark Whitt unveiled the lineup Thursday, promising 11 thrilling games across two action-packed days. Clintwood JOD Mining returns
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Cardinal Madness set for Nov. 16: Red-White, Alumni Games
BY BRITTNI MCCOY MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — Martin County High School’s annual Cardinal Madness is set for Nov. 16. This year’s event is loaded and gives the Cardinal faithful their first glimpse at 2024-2025 boys and girls basketball squads. It also features middle school and elementary boys and the return of the Alumni Games. Martin
