The Martin County Cardinals (13-8) built a huge lead and held on late as they defeated the Tug Valley Panthers (12-3) on Saturday, 78-66, in the Hatfield-McCoy Shootout at the Williamson Field House.
The Cardinals jumped out early in the opening period, taking a 26-11 lead behind five 3-point field goals. The lead grew slightly in the second quarter as Martin County held a 39-23 lead at the intermission. The Panthers stormed back in the third period and cut the lead to 56-48 at the end of the third period on a long 3-point field goal from Braydun Ferris as time expired. The Panthers would get within five points, but the Cardinals would pull away in the final frame to get the win.
Brayden McKenzie led Martin County with 25 points. Luke Hale followed with 20 points. Peyton Davis netted 10 points. Jake Sturgell added 9 points. Blake Maynard and Bryson Dials scored 5 points each. Devin Maynard added 4 points.
Ashton Davis paced Tug Valley with 18 points. Ferris followed with 13 points. Carson Newsome and Kaden Hale scored 11 points each. Bryson Elia netted 10 points. Buddy Marcum, Preston May and Brady Brewer scored 1 point apiece.
Martin County will host Magoffin County at home on Monday at 7:30 pm. Tug Valley will host rival Mingo Central at home on Tuesday at 7:30 pm.
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