Marshall County Marshals Defeat McCracken County in Regional Semifinals

Junior Matthew Langhi leads the way with 20 points as Marshals advance to regional final

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Marshall County Marshals boys basketball team defeated their rival McCracken County 47-44 in the First Region semifinals on Saturday. Junior Matthew Langhi scored a team-high 20 points, including a perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line, to lead the Marshals to victory. Senior Neyland Jezik contributed a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds, while senior Ryan Stokes added 10 points. The win sets up a matchup between Marshall County and Paducah Tilghman in the regional final on Sunday.

Why it matters

This was the third meeting of the season between the two top teams in the First Region, with each squad winning one of the previous matchups. The regional semifinal victory gives Marshall County the edge heading into the championship game and a chance to advance to the state tournament.

The details

Marshall County shot 41% from the field and went 12-of-19 from the free throw line. Langhi's perfect performance at the stripe proved crucial in the three-point win. The Marshals also controlled the glass, outrebounding McCracken County 20-15, led by Jezik's 12 boards.

  • The regional semifinal game was played on Saturday, March 8, 2026.
  • The regional final between Marshall County and Paducah Tilghman is scheduled for Sunday, March 9, 2026 at 2 p.m.

The players

Matthew Langhi

A junior on the Marshall County basketball team who scored a team-high 20 points, including a perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line, to lead his team to victory.

Neyland Jezik

A senior on the Marshall County basketball team who contributed a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds, anchoring both ends of the floor for the Marshals.

Ryan Stokes

A senior on the Marshall County basketball team who scored 10 points on 4-of-8 shooting to support the Marshals' offensive effort.

Kaden Mohler

A senior on the Marshall County basketball team who hauled in 5 rebounds to help the Marshals control the glass.

Braxton Burnham

A freshman on the Marshall County basketball team who came off the bench to contribute 5 points and 4 rebounds.

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What they’re saying

“We've had some great battles with McCracken County all season, but when it mattered most, we were able to get the job done. I'm really proud of the way our guys competed and made the plays we needed to win this game.”

— Head Coach

What’s next

The Marshall County Marshals will face Paducah Tilghman in the First Region championship game on Sunday, March 9, 2026 at 2 p.m. The winner will advance to the KHSAA state tournament.

The takeaway

This hard-fought victory over a rival shows the resilience and determination of the Marshall County Marshals, who have proven themselves to be one of the top teams in the region. Their ability to win the close games against tough opponents bodes well as they look to capture the regional title and advance to the state tournament.