Third Time’s the Charm: Marshals Knock Off McCracken County in Regional Semis

(MURRAY, Ky.) — Marshall County’s boys basketball team got it done when it mattered most, knocking off rival McCracken County 47-44 in the First Region semifinals on Saturday to advance to the regional final.

The two programs had traded blows all season long as the clear top teams in the First Region. McCracken County won at Draffenville 71-66 earlier this year, then took a 70-67 decision in West Paducah. When the lights shone brightest in postseason play, though, it was the Marshals who delivered.

Junior Matthew Langhi was the engine that drove Marshall County’s offense, finishing with a team-high 20 points on 6-of-11 shooting and a perfect 8-of-8 from the free throw line. Senior Ryan Stokes added 10 points on an efficient 4-of-8 from the field. Senior Neyland Jezik contributed 12 points and led the team with 12 rebounds, anchoring both ends of the floor. Freshman Braxton Burnham chipped in with five points and four boards off the bench, knocking down one of his three three-point attempts.

As a team, Marshall County shot 41 percent from the field and went 12-of-19 from the free throw line. Langhi’s clutch performance at the stripe proved particularly valuable in a game decided by just three points.

Seniors Kaden Mohler and Ryan Stokes each hauled in five rebounds, helping the Marshals control the glass with 20 total boards on the night.

Marshall County will now advance to the First Region championship to face old rival Paducah Tilghman Sunday at 2 p.m.