Cardinals soar over Hornets in region tournament’s first round

STAFF REPORT

BSN

BUCKLEY CREEK — Turning in a dominant performance, Martin County defeated Phelps 100-72 during the first round of the 15th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament at Pike County Central on Saturday, March 8.

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

Setting the tone early, Martin County outscored Phelps 27-13 in the opening quarter.

Martin County led 47-33 at halftime and extended its lead after the intermission period.

The Cardinals led 73-50 at the end of the third quarter.

Martin County, which notched its 20th win in the 2024-25 boys’ high school basketball season, shot 49.4 percent (38-of-77) from the field. The Cardinals shot 40 percent (14-of-35) from three-point range.

Martin County shot 66.7 percent (10-of-15) from the free throw line.

Parker Watts led Martin County (20-8) to the win. Watts recorded a game-high double-double for the Cardinals, scoring 31 points and securing 16 rebounds.

As part of a diverse offensive attack for Martin County, Bryson Dials scored 18 points, Peyton Davis netted 15 points, Eli Mills tallied 14 points and Devan Maynard put in 11 points.

Contributing to the win, Brayden Estep (six points), Aiden Copeland (three points) and Aiden Armstrong (two points) provided the rest of Martin County’s scoring.

Martin County was set to meet Floyd Central in the semifinals of the 15th Region Boys’ Basketball Tournament on Monday, March 10.