Tigers outlast Cardinals 65-64

STAFF REPORT

BSN

PIKEVILLE — Paintsville outlasted 57th District rival Martin County 65-64 in the opening round of the 15th Region All "A" Classic at Appalachian Wireless Arena on Monday, Jan. 11.

The Tigers returned to the win column after dropping a game to Russell five days earlier.

Former state champion Paintsville (2-1) shot 38.7 percent (24-of-62) from the field. The Tigers were 5-of-18 (27.8 percent) from 3-point range.

Paintsville shot 70.6 percent (12-of-17) from the free throw line.

Colby Fugate scored 19 points to pace the Tigers. Paintsville featured four scorers in double figures. Braxton Tharpe added 14 points, Connor Fugate contributed 12 points and Jaxon Watts added 11 points as part of Paintsville's victory.

Connor Fugate recorded a double-double for the Tigers, grabbing 10 rebounds.

Martin County shot 48.9 percent (2-of-45) from the field. The Cardinals shot were 6-of-17 (35.3 percent) from 3-point range.

Martin County shot 73.7 percent (14-of-19) from the free throw line

Luke Hale scored a game-high 27 points to lead the Cardinals. Hale connected on 5-of-8 3-point field goal attempts.

Brady Dingess finished behind Hale in scoring for the Cardinals, netting 22 points. Dingess was 9-of-13 from the free throw line.

Nearly reaching double figures in scoring for Martin County, Jacob Butcher added nine points.