The Tug Valley Panthers (12-1) jumped on top and never relented as they picked up a 97-51 win over the visiting Man Hillbillies (4-11) in Naugatuck.
The Panthers jumped all over the Hillbillies early by taking a 31-12 lead after the opening period behind seven Man turnovers. Braydun Ferris had 11 points and 5 assists in the opening frame. Tug Valley then took a 56-27 advantage into the locker room at the half as the Panthers kept up the pressure.
Tug Valley cruised most of the second half as many less experienced players saw varsity minutes, but the Hillbillies had one big highlight as Trey Ward banked in a shot from well beyond the half court line as the third period ended.
Ferris led the way for the Panthers and was named Tug Valley Wellness Clinic Player of the Game with 16 points and 6 assists. Carson Newsome also added 16 points off the bench. Bryson Elia, Brady Brewer and Kaden Hale all had 11 points apiece. Elia also dished out 6 assists. Evan Bryant fired in 8 points. Buddy Marcum had 7 points and pulled down 6 rebounds. Ashton Davis scored 6 points and passed out 4 assists. Jace Hale recorded 5 points. Preston May had 3 points. Ben Brumfield chipped in 2 points. Dereck Jewell finished with 1 point.
For the Hillbillies, Noah Frazier led the way with 15 points. Ward followed with 10 points. Micah Goble added 6 points. Bryson Wingler scored 5 points. Jacob Endicott and Devon Sanders netted 4 points each. Justin Mullins fired in 3 points. Connor White and Blake Hicks chipped in 2 points apiece.
The Panthers will next be in action on Friday when they play the Pike County Central Hawks in the Hatfield-McCoy Shootout at the Williamson Field House.
The Hillbillies will next host the Sherman Tide on Monday at 7:30 pm.
Photos Courtesy of Karen Watts
