Cardinals outlast Belfry 53-49

STAFF REPORT

BSN

PIKEVILLE — Martin County outlasted longtime rival Belfry 53-49 in the opening round of the 15th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament at the Appalachian Wireless on Wednesday, March 2.

After notching the win, Martin County advanced to the semifinals of the 15th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament.

Martin County shot 44.4 percent (16-of-36) from the field in the win over Belfry. The Cardinals shot 40 percent (10-of-25) from three-point range.

Martin County, the champion out of the 57th District, shot 78.6 percent (11-of-14) from the free throw line in the victory.

Brady Dingess scored 24 points to lead the Cardinals to the win. Dingess connected on four of nine three-point field goal attempts.

Joining Dingess in double figures for the Cardinals, Luke Hale scored 13 points and Jordan Dalton netted 11 points.

Belfry shot 42 percent (21-of-50) from the field. The Pirates shot 29.4 percent (five-of-17) from three-point range.

Belfry connected on two of four attempts from the free throw line.

Sal Dean scored a game-high 25 points to lead the Pirates. Dean was the only Belfry player to reach double figures in scoring. Behind Dean, DeMahjae Clark and Bol Kuir added eight points apiece for the Pirates.