The Martin County Knights waltzed into their contest on Tuesday with four straight wins but they left with five. They skirted past Bertie 68-66. The victory was all the more spectacular given Martin County's disadvantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 265th, while the Falcons are ranked 97th).
Martin County got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Tayvon Lee out in front who scored 14 points along with eight rebounds and two steals. Lee hasn't dropped below two steals for nine straight games. Another player making a difference was Jordan Matthewson, who scored 18 points along with two steals.
Bertie's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Zymiere Dempsey, who scored 20 points along with six assists and four steals. Dempsey is crushing the steal category: he's posted at least two every time he's taken the court this season. Jah'Kelvin Rascoe was another key contributor, dropping a double-double on 14 points and ten assists.
Martin County's win was their seventh straight at home, which pushed their record up to 12-6. Those good results were due in large part to their offensive dominance across that stretch, as they averaged 70.4 points per game. As for Bertie, their loss ended a 13-game streak of away wins dating back to last season and brought them to 15-3.
Martin County will head out on the road to square off against the Panthers at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. Washington County is currently enjoying a perfect season and no doubt want to keep things rolling. As for Bertie, they will be playing in front of their home fans against the Red Barons at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.
