PIKEVILLE, Ky. - Martin County and Lawrence County are set to clash for the Boys' 15th Regional Championship title after both teams emerged victorious during the semifinal games held on March 10, 2025, at Pike County Central High School.
Lawrence County opened the night with impressive momentum, charging past Pike County Central with a commanding score of 93-76. This win marks notable progress for Lawrence County, as they haven't reached the regional title game since 2021.
Coached by Chandler Thompson, the Lawrence County team not only showcased their skills but also turned the tide after losing both regular-season matchups against the Hawks. "This will be Lawrence County’s first 15th Regional title clash since 2021, where they lost to Martin County," noted the coverage from WYMT, highlighting the significance of this win for the team.
Meanwhile, Martin County did not lag behind, putting on its own electrifying performance later in the evening. Their opponents, the Floyd Central Jaguars, faced the full force of Martin County’s offense, which scored heavily throughout, resulting in a formidable 103-85 victory. This high-scoring affair was notable as it represented the third time within the last six games Martin County had breached the 100-point mark.
Jason James, the head coach for Martin County, commented on the relentless energy displayed by his team: "Martin County's offense was explosive, scoring early and often against the Floyd Central Jaguars. Jason James' crew put up 100 points for the third time in their last six games," as reported by WYMT.
This match not only cements Martin County’s position as one of the strong teams of this season but also extends their streak to three consecutive appearances at the regional championship. Their previous attempts were met with hurdles, including being knocked out early during the KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16 by Frederick Douglass and losing to Aden Barnett and Magoffin County last season.
On March 11, at 7 p.m., the stage is set for the highly anticipated title game between these two local teams. The championship carries the promise of advancing to the subsequent round, where the winner will face off against the champion of the 10th Region during the KHSAA Sweet 16 State Tournament scheduled for March 27, 2025.
Basketball fans are eagerly awaiting this exciting showdown, as both teams strive not only for victory but also for redemption and glory within the Kentucky high school basketball scene.