BASKETBALL PREVIEW: Martin County girls begin new era

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