Martin County fends off Pike County Central 66-58

STAFF REPORT

BSN

PIKEVILLE — Martin County fended off Pike County Central 66-58 in the opening round of the 15th Region Girls’ Basketball Tournament at the Appalachian Wireless Arena on Monday, Feb. 28.

The 57th District champion, Martin County outscored Pike County Central 19-15 in the first quarter.

But Pike County Central answered, outscoring Martin County 15-9 in the second quarter to lead 30-28 at halftime.

Still, Martin County recovered from its limited second quarter performance, outscoring Pike County Central 21-10 in the third quarter to lead 49-40.

Martin County, which advanced to the semifinals of the 15th Region Girls’ Basketball Tournament, shot 46 percent (23-of-50) from the field. The Lady Cardinals finished seven-of-16 from three-point range, shooting 43.8 percent beyond the arc.

Martin County shot 76.5 percent (13-of-17) from the free throw line.

Leading a trio of scorers in double figures, Katie Marcum scored a game-high 19 points to lead Martin County to the win. In addition to Marcum reaching double figures for Martin County, Laken Williams scored 17 points and Jaaliyah Warren netted 16 points.

Contributing to Martin County’s win, Brittany Thompson added seven points and eight rebounds.

Pike County Central shot 38 percent (19-of-50) from the field. The Lady Hawks shot 25 percent (four-of-16) from three-point range.

Pike County Central shot 59.3 percent (16-of-27) from the free throw line.

Emalie Tackett and Kylea Weddington scored 15 points apiece to pace Pike County Central. Tackett recorded a double-double for Pike County Central, pulling down a game-high 19 rebounds.

Nearly reaching double figures for Pike County Central, Hannah May added nine points.