The 2nd ranked Tug Valley Panthers (20-6) got 17 points and 14 rebounds from senior Buddy Marcum as they picked up a 56-42 win over the 7th ranked Doddridge County Bulldogs (18-8) to advance to the Class A State Semifinals at the Charleston Civic Center on Wednesday.
Doddridge County jumped out to an 8-2 lead in the first three minutes of the game.The Panthers went on an 8-0 run and took a 10-8 lead on a Bryson Elia bucket. Doddridge County battled back and held a 14-11 advantage after the opening period.
The Panthers opened the second period on a 4-0 run to take a 15-14 lead. After a back and fourth quarter, Tug Valley took a 21-18 lead at the intermission after an Ashton Davis basket with less than a minute left in the half.
The Panthers extended their lead in the opening minutes of the second half with an 8-0 run to force a Bulldog time out with a 29-18 lead with 5:26 left in the third period. Doddridge battled back and went on an 8-0 run to force a Panther time out with 2:55 left and clinging to a 29-26 lead. The teams exchanged baskets the rest of the quarter as Tug Valley held a 34-30 lead.
The Panthers built a 38-30 lead but then Marcum had to leave the game with 4:47 left after an injury. At that point, Marcum had 17 points and 14 rebounds. Tug Valley went on a 9-3 run after Marcum went off the court to hold a 47-33 lead with 3:14 remaining. Marcum later returned, and the Panthers were able to maintain their lead from there to advance.
“It was a hard fought win,” said Tug Valley head coach Garland “Rabbit” Thompson. “Give Doddridge a lot of credit. They came out and really busted us in the mouth to a certain extent. I thought our defense was good, and it needed to be because our offense struggled at times. I thought Bryson (Elia) did an excellent job on (Brandon) Hileman. I was really concerned about his penetration, it’s like Jim Valvano said – survive and advance. So thank you, Jesus. We’re moving on.”
Thompson had high praise for senior center Buddy Marcum after his outstanding game.
“He’s our enforcer,” said Thompson. He’s our strength. He does an excellent job in there. Buddy’s strong. He’s an all-state football player and has improved so much in four years. We’re not here without Buddy Marcum.”
Elia spoke about his defensive effort in the game after recording 4 steals and 4 blocks.
“I feel like that’s a big part of who we are,” he said. “I feel like that’s a key part to us winning these games. Some guys here will knock down every shot if you leave them open, so I can’t leave them open. Coach and everyone know that I’m the guy that’s always there and on them.”
Braydun Ferris followed Marcum’s double-double with 16 points, 8 rebounds and 4 steals. Elia added 10 points to go with his defensive performance. Ashton Davis scored 8 points. Carson Newsome netted 3 points. Kaden Hale chipped in with 2 points.
The Panthers will next play 3rd ranked East Hardy in the semifnals on Friday. The opening tip is set for 7:15 pm.
Photos Courtesy of Karen Watts
