Martin County head basketball coach Robin Newsome was content to be outside the rim of leading the Lady Cardinals program.
When former Sheldon Clark head coach Tim Rice lost his life in a tragic automobile accident earlier this year she suddenly found herself back in a role she held for 25 seasons.
She brings to the table for the 2019-20 season more than 500 wins.
“I’ve been out of coaching for seven years,” she said. “I felt obligated to the school, and especially my friend [Tim] to come back.”
The Lady Cardinals are coming off a 13-15 season one year ago, having been eliminated in the 57th District tournament by Magoffin County.
Martin County returns senior Madison Thompson, one of the top players in the 15th Region. She led the state in rebounding (407 for an average of 14.5 rpg) and scored 16 points per game. Back is senior Kristen Isaac, who has already signed to play at Alice Lloyd College. She scored nine per game and as many rebounds. Junior Lakyn Porter is a third returning scoring threat.
Top newcomers include sophomores Graci Synder, Brittany Thompson and Lynndsey Cassell and eighth-grader Alyssa Allen.
Martin County opened its season on Dec. 2.
Martin County schedule
Dec. 2 Pike Central Away
Dec. 7 KDMC Tip-Off Classic
at Greenup County
Dec. 10 Magoffin County Home
Dec. 13 Paintsville Away
Dec. 16 Belfry Home
Dec. 19-21 Execute to Impact Shoot-Out
at Daytona Beach, Fla., TBA
Dec. 27-29 Gateway Holiday Classic
Estill County, TBA, TBA, Montgomery Co.
Jan. 4 Chapmanville TBD
Jan. 6 Phelps Away
Jan. 10 15th Region All ‘A’ Classic
Shelby Valley at Appy Wireless Arena
Jan. 13 Greenup County Away
Jan. 14 Betsy Layne Home
Jan. 17 Paintsville Home
Jan. 21 Floyd Central Away
Jan. 24 Johnson Central Home
Jan. 25 Lady Hawk 1-day Shootout
Letcher Central at Pike County Central
Jan. 28 Pike Central Home
Jan. 31 Magoffin County Away
Feb. 3 Johnson Central Away
Feb. 8 Jackson City Prep Classic
Morgan County at Jackson City
Feb. 10 Belfry Away
Feb. 11 Floyd Central Home
Feb. 17 Phelps Home
Feb. 19 Fleming County Away
Feb. 21 Lawrence County Away