Cardinals down Tigers to win 57th District title

STAFF REPORT

BSN

PAINTSVILLE — Martin County pulled away to defeat Paintsville 66-47 in the 57th District Boys' Basketball Tournament championship game at Johnson Central High School's Paul R. Setser Fieldhouse on Friday, Feb. 25.

Following the win, Martin County improved to 23-7. The loss dropped Paintsville to 19-8.

Martin County and Paintsville were tied 15-15 at the end of the first quarter. Remaining even, Martin County and Paintsville were tied 26-26 at halftime.

But Martin County controlled the second half, outscoring Paintsville 40-21 to pull away for the victory.

Brady Dingess, the 2021-22 15th Region Player of the Year, scored a game-high 27 points to lead Martin County to the district championship-clinching win.

Accompanying Dingess in double figures for the Cardinals, Luke Hale scored 18 points and Jordan Dalton netted 13 points.

Connor Fugate scored 15 points to lead the Tigers. Joining his brother in double figures for Paintsville, Colby Fugate contributed 13 points.

Aiding the Tigers offensively, Baron Ratliff and Jase Kinner chipped in six points apiece.

Both Martin County and Paintsville advanced to the 15th Region Boys' Basketball Tournament at the Appalachian Wireless Arena in Pikeville.