The Martin County Cardinals got 28 points from Luke Hale as they defeated the Pikeville Panthers, 55-53, on Monday to capture the 15th Region Championship on Monday at Appalachian Wireless Arena.
The Cardinals last won the 15th Region in 2020 but never did get to participate in the Sweet 16 tournament due its cancellation from COVID.
Martin County (24-10) took a slim, 14-12, lead after the opening frame. Pikeville (22-8) battled back in the second frame to take a 25-24 lead at the half. The Panthers added a point onto the lead after three periods to hold a 41-39 advantage going into the fourth quarter. The Cardinals were able to use a 16-12 scoring margin in the final period to pull out the win.
For Martin County, Jacob Sturgill followed Hale with 12 points. Brayden McKenzie netted 9 points. Dray Duff finished with 6 points.
Pikeville was paced with 13 points each from Rylee Samons and Eli Johnson. Charlie Fitzer followed with 12 points. Josh Hughes fired in 9 points. Heath Jarrell netted 4 points. Ian Onkst finished with 2 points.
The Cardinals will next play Frederick Douglass in the opening round of the Sweet 16 Tournament on March 16th at Rupp Arena. The opening tip is set for 6 pm.
Martin County (55) – Luke Hale 28, Jacob Sturgill 12, Brayden McKenzie 9, Dray Duff 8
Pikeville (53) – Rylee Samons 13, Eli Johnson 13, Charlie Fitzwater 12, Josh Hughes 9, Heath Jarrell 4, Ian Onkst 2
