Martin County hands Hazard a 93-80 loss on Senior Night

Braxton Keathley poured in 41 points as the Martin County Cardinals rolled past Hazard 93-80 on Senior Night at the Martin County gym in Inez on Feb. 15, playing before a full house and pacing an offense that attacked for four quarters. Keathley finished 15-of-22 from the field, hit four 3-pointers, went 7-for-8 at the free-throw line and added six rebounds, five assists and three steals.

The loss represented a tough outing for Hazard against a high-scoring Martin County squad. Martin County’s attack-mode offense set the tone early and sustained pressure through the final minute, leaving Hazard without publicly released individual stat lines or coach comments in the initial account of the game.

Supporting Keathley, sophomore guard Bryson Dials was lethal from deep, scoring 18 points with four 3-pointers while adding three rebounds and three assists. Senior Devan Maynard supplied muscle and disruption with 12 points on 6-of-11 shooting, a team-high eight rebounds, five assists and five steals. Senior Eli Mills hit timely perimeter shots for 11 points, draining three 3-pointers and chipping in five rebounds and four assists.

Role players contributed as well: senior Alan Moore was a perfect 3-for-3 for six points with three rebounds and an assist, and Brayden Marcum continued to create havoc defensively with three steals while scoring five points and recording one rebound and one assist. Seniors Tanner Jennings and Braxton Maynard saw action during the game, with no box stats provided for them in the report.

Before tipoff the Cardinals held a Senior Night ceremony at center court to honor five senior players and the program’s senior cheerleaders, dancers and mascot in front of the crowd. The seniors recognized were Eli Mills, Braxton Maynard, Devan Maynard, Alan Moore and Tanner Jennings. Senior cheerleaders and dancers honored were Reagan Hale, Adalynn Maynard, Addison Kerr, Bailey Parsons, Kadence Blackburn, Keandie Evans, Marlee Grayson and Hallee Preece. Senior team mascot Wesley Rosensteel was also honored.

Martin County’s push continued into league play on the road the following days: the Cardinals traveled to Pike Central on Feb. 16 and wrapped up the regular season with a trip to Shelby Valley on Feb. 18 with a 7:30 p.m. tipoff. Hazard’s individual game leaders and coach reaction were not available in the initial account; those details would clarify how this result affects Hazard’s standing as the postseason approaches.