Pikeville, Ky. — In an absolute barnburner Martin Co. outlasted Lawrence Co. 80-71 in overtime in the 15th Region semifinals Saturday at the Appalachian Wireless Arena.
LC senior Will Lafferty drives baseline, absorbs the contact and finishes the three point play.
Lawrence Co. ( 19-15 ) was led by Will Lafferty with 23 points including 4 three pointers, Andrew Bloomfield tallied 18 points, Logan Ratliff added 11 points including 3 three pointers, Blake Marcum netted 9 points, Hayden Perry finished with 8 points, Kaden Gillispie chipped in with 2 points.
Logan Ratliff drills a three pointer against Martin Co.
The Bulldogs made 10 three pointers and went 19 of 28 from the free throw line.
Martin Co. ( 23-10 ) was led by Brayden McKenzie with 29 points, Matt Linville and Dray Duff had 13 points each, Jacob Sturgill 9 points, Luke Hale 8 points, Peyton Davis 6 points, Devan Maynard 2 points.
The Cardinals made 5 three pointers and went 13 of 23 from the free throw line.
Andrew Bloomfield taking the ball strong to the basket in a very physical game Saturday night.
MCHS 15 15 17 17 16 = 80
LCHS 21 11 13 19 7 = 71
The Cardinals will play for the 15th Region Championship Monday at 7:00 versus Pikeville ( 22-7 ) after the Panthers beat Pike Co. Central 50-36 in the second semifinal Saturday night.
Hayden Perry looks for the open Bulldog as Dray Duff of Martin Co. closed in.
Lawrence Co. Head Coach Chandler Thompson
COACH’S COMMENTS
“… Although it is a terrible feeling to come up short, I couldn’t be more proud of our team and what they accomplished this season. After losing what we lost (players) last year, not many people gave us a chance this year.”
“… Every time this team was counted out, they rose to the occasion. Special thanks to our three seniors, Kaden Gillispie, Will Lafferty, and Ethan Horn for being great leaders this year and being a positive role model to all of the underclassmen. I’m thankful for their leadership.”
“… After winning 19 games and a district championship this season, we have a lot returning next season. I’m looking forward to the off season with this great group of young men. It’s time to get back to work!”
