BY ALEX LINDSEY JR – SPORTS INTERN

Martin County defeated Pikeville 75-54 to win the All-A Boys Basketball Tournament championship.

Braxton Keathley led Martin County with 26 points. He scored 10 points in the first quarter as Martin County jumped out to a 19-8 lead. Guard Eli Mills added 17 points, including five 3-pointers, to keep the Panthers from getting back into the game. Bryson Dials and Devan Maynard also finished in double figures to help secure the championship win.

Keathley was the tournament’s standout performer. He hit a buzzer-beater in overtime of the previous game to send Martin County to the championship, then followed it up with another strong performance in the title game. The junior guard has received Division I interest and has taken unofficial visits to Louisville and Kentucky.

Martin County returns to action Thursday against Magoffin County at 7 p.m.

Pikeville suffered its first loss of the season and fell to 11-1. Jackson Keene led the Panthers with 13 points, while Grant Hall added 10 points. Pikeville will return to action Thursday against Big Stone Gap, Virginia, at 7 p.m.

With the All-A Tournament complete, both teams look ahead to the rest of the season, but on this night, Martin County proved it is the team to beat.