Martin County 62, Johnson Central 59

STAFF REPORT

BSN

PAINTSVILLE — Martin County overcame a five-point halftime deficit to defeat Johnson Central 62-59 in the semifinals of the 57th District Boys’ Basketball Tournament at Paintsville High School on Wednesday, Feb. 22.

The loss eliminated Johnson Central from the 57th District Boys’ Basketball Tournament.

Johnson Central suffered the season-ending loss after leading 28-23 at halftime.

Martin County, which notched its 20th win in the 2022-23 boys’ high school basketball season, shot 37.3 percent (22 of 59) from the field. The Cardinals shot 33.3 percent (seven of 21) from three-point range.

Martin County shot 64.7 percent (11 of 17) from the free throw line.

Luke Hale scored 24 points to lead Martin County (20-10) to the win. Hale made three three-pointers and shot 70 percent (seven of 10) from the free-throw line.

Joining Hale in double figures for Martin County, Brayden McKenzie netted 17 points.

The reigning 15th Region All “A” Classic champion, Martin County received other scoring from Peyton Davis (eight points), Devan Maynard (five points), Dray Duff (five points) and Jacob Sturgell (three points).

Johnson Central shot 39.3 percent (11 of 56) from the field. The Golden Eagles hit three of 14 three-point field goal attempts.

Johnson Central shot 60 percent (12 of 20) from the free throw line.

Austin Slone scored 24 points to lead the Golden Eagles.

Following Slone in scoring for Johnson Central (14-16), David Fink netted 14 points.

Providing a double-double for the Golden Eagles, Ryan Rose scored 11 points and pulled down a game-high 16 rebounds.

Supplying Johnson Central’s other scoring, Mason Lawson added seven points and Brayden Shepherd contributed three points.

The win allowed Martin County to advance to meet Paintsville in the 57th District boys’ basketball championship game.