The 3rd ranked (Class A) Tug Valley Panthers used a strong second quarter to pull away from the 4th ranked (Class A) Webster County Highlanders on Wednesday night at the Par Mar Shootout at West Virginia State University in Institute.
After a back and forth first period that saw the two teams tied at 23-23, the Panthers (14-3) started getting some easy buckets and outscored the Highlanders, 20-8, to carry a 43-31 lead into the locker room.
Things wouldn’t get better for Webster County (15-2) as the Panthers extended their lead to 63-40 heading into the final quarter. Tug Valley’s lead approached 30 before Webster County cut into it in the final with a few baskets as the Panthers substituted more freely.
The Panthers were led by Ashton Davis with 21 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Braydun Ferris followed with 17 points and 9 assists. Buddy Marcum recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Kaden Hale scored 13 points. Bryson Elia had 8 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks. Carson Newsome chipped in with 7 points.
Tug Valley will next play the 10th ranked (Class AAA) Logan Wildcats on Saturday at home in Naugatuck. The opening tip is scheduled for 7:30 pm.
Photo Courtesy of Karen Watts
