The Tug Valley Panthers (4-0) jumped on top early and then held off a furious rally as they defeated the Wayne Pioneers (2-6), 63-54, on Saturday in the Kaydence Maynard Christmas Tournament at Tug Valley High School in Naugatuck.
The Panthers jumped out of the gate early, taking a 6-0 lead within the first minute of the game. Tug Valley held a 21-11 lead after the opening period. The Pioneers fell further behind early in the second period, but put on a late rally to pull within seven points, but Brady Brewer hit a 3-pointer as time expired to make it a 33-23 Panther lead at the half.
Tug Valley’s lead grew in the third period, and the game appeared to be on the verge of a blowout as the Panthers led 52-37 heading into the final quarter. The Pioneers didn’t give up and kept fighting in the final quarter behind nine points in the quarter from Isaac Meddings. Wayne cut the score to 57-52 in the final minutes, but the Panthers closed out the game on a 6-2 run to pick up the win.
Ashton Davis led the Panthers in scoring with 16 points. Buddy Marcum had a double-double with 12 points and an incredible 21 rebounds. He also recorded 4 blocks. Braydun Ferris scored 10 points and dished out 5 assists. Brewer and Bryson Elia scored 9 points apiece. Kaden Hale fired in 7 points in the win.
Meddings led all scorers for Wayne with 20 points. Zane Adkins followed with 12 points. Cooper Adkins scored 10 points. Kaiden Hayton scored 6 points and pulled down 8 rebounds. Ronnie Staley, Colin Heck and Peyton Marcum scored 2 points apiece for the Pioneers.
Wayne will next travel to Winfieled on Friday. Tug Valley will host West Logan Christian on Tuesday.
