(MURRAY, Ky.) — For the first time in 14 years, two of the First Region’s most storied programs met for the championship — and the Marshall County Marshals made sure there was no doubt about who would be heading to Rupp Arena. The Marshals dismantled Paducah Tilghman 76-40 on Sunday afternoon, capturing the Mercy Health First Region Boys Championship and claiming the program’s ninth regional title in school history.
From the opening tip, Marshall County left no question about its intentions. The Marshals raced out to a commanding 18-4 lead after the first quarter, setting the tone with lockdown defense and crisp offensive execution. By halftime, the margin had swelled to 38-15, and any hopes Tilghman harbored of a second-half comeback were quickly extinguished. Marshall County pushed the lead to 60-29 heading into the fourth quarter before closing out the emphatic 36-point victory.
Head coach Sawyer Donohoo credited his team’s focus throughout the tournament as the key to the dominant performance. “Our kids were locked in this weekend,” Donohoo said. “Our best two performances defensively of the year were yesterday and today, I thought. Getting the start right off the tip, I’ll take that every day.”
Leading the Orange in scoring was Matthew Langhi, who posted a game-high 38 points. Neyland Jezik contributed 11, Ryan Stokes added 9, and Braxton Burnham chipped in 7. Kruz Powell finished with 3, while Fisher Beth, Carson Lovett, Jax Moore, and Kam Brown each added 2 points.
Three Marshals were recognized on the First Region All-Tournament Team: Neyland Jezik, Ryan Stokes, and Matthew Langhi. Langhi earned the tournament’s highest individual honor, being named the Joey Fosko Most Valuable Player for the second time in his career (Freshman/Junior), capping a standout weekend for the standout performer.
The Marshals (24-8) now advance to the UK Healthcare KHSAA Boys Sweet 16 at Rupp Arena in Lexington, where they will face the champion from Region 16. Tipoff will be at 12:30 CDT on Thursday, March 19th. The opponent information will be announced by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association in the coming days.
WCBL Sports will have complete coverage with the Hendrickson Wealth & Retirement Pregame Show at 11:55 AM CDT on March 19th courtside from Cawood’s Court at Rupp Arena.
PHOTO-MC Athletics
SCORE BY QUARTER
Marshall County: 18 – 38 – 60 – 76
Paducah Tilghman: 4 – 15 – 29 – 40
MARSHALS FIRST REGION ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
Neyland Jezik
Ryan Stokes
Matthew Langhi — (Joey Fosko MVP) 2x winner
