The 2nd ranked Tug Valley Panthers (21-6) reached the Class A State Championship game for the first time in 11 years with a 52-39 win over 3rd ranked East Hardy Cougars (20-4).
After a back and forth opening period, East Hardy led by five until Ashton Davis drilled a 3-pointer as time expired to cut the Cougars’ lead to 12-10.
“We ran rub,” said Davis. “I know that if Braydun drives and they pull over on him, he’s going to kick it out. I just let it hoping that it would go in, and it started to get me going.”
The Panthers came out firing and built a 23-17 lead before East Hardy cut it to one point. But right as the clock hit :00 for the intermission, Bryson Elia drove to the basket to give Tug Valley a 25-22 lead at the half.
Tug Valley was able to stretch out the advantage to 38-30, but East Hardy went on a 5-0 run to close out the period to cut the Panthers’ lead to 38-35 heading into the 4th quarter. It would be as close as East Hardy would get the rest of the game.
The Panthers’ defense clamped down, allowing only 4 points in the final period. Tug Valley slowly stretched its lead to double digits and started spreading the floor to run more clock. From there, East Hardy could do nothing to get back into the game as Tug Valley closed out the game and set its fans into a frenzy.
“We’re very happy to be playing in the state championship game again,” said Tug Valley head coach Garland “Rabbit” Thompson. “It’s been over 10 years since Tug Valley has been in a state championship. I am tickled for our fans, for our coaches who work so hard to help me and especially our players. They have worked their tails off this year.”
Davis led all scorers with 20 to lead Tug Valley. He also had 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Braydun Ferris had 8 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals. Buddy Marcum had 7 points and 12 rebounds. Bryson Elia added 6 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks. Kaden Hale fired in 6 points. Carson Newsome finished with 5 points.
JW Teets led East Hardy with 17 points in the loss.
Tug Valley will face Tucker County in the Class A Championship. The Panthers fell to the Mountain Lions at Tucker County earlier this season, 56-50. Tucker County also knocked Tug Valley out of the state tournament in the semifinal round last season.
“We’re going to have to play our best basketball,” said Thompson. “To a certain extent, it will take a small miracle here. Anyone you key on, the other person to beat you.They’re a very good team, a very strong team and play very good defense. We have to maximize our offensive possessions. Hopefully, we shoot it well and get some transitions.”
The Panthers are hoping that their fans show up in full force for the title game.
“If they’re into it, we’re into it,” said Ferris. “They’re basically our 6th man.”
The tip off for Saturday’s Class A Championship is set for 5 pm at the Charleston Civic Center.
Photos Courtesy of WV MetroNews
