The 10th-ranked (Class A) Tug Valley Lady Panthers began their quest to return to the state tournament on Monday with a 45-34 win over the Man Lady Billies at Naugatuck in the sectional tournament.
The Lady Panthers (8-9) pulled out to an 8-6 lead after the first period. Tug Valley then extended the lead to 21-13 at the half. The Lady Billies continued to slowly slip behind in the second half, trailing 30-21 after three quarters before the Lady Panthers stretched it out for the final margin of victory.
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Kenzie Browning led the way for Tug Valley with 19 points. Haven Deskins followed with 9 points. Haley Gillman fired in 8 points. Bailee Hall added 7 points. Kinna Justice chipped in 2 points.
For Man, Jenna Baisden and Kami Anderson led the way with 9 points. Tori Honaker fired in 7 points. Jace Baisden added 5 points. Megan McCoy finished with 4 points.
Tug Valley will now move on to the sectional championship at Tolsia on Thursday.
Man (34) – Jenna Baisden 9, Kami Anderson 9, Tori Honaker 7, Jace Baisden 5, Megan McCoy 4
Tug Valley (45) – Kenzie Browning 19, Haven Deskins 9, Haley Gillman 8, Bailee Hall 7, Kinna Justice 2
Photos Courtesy of Karen Watts