The Tug Valley Panthers overcame a double-digit deficit to come back and get a hard fought win over the Huntington St Joe Fighting Irish, 53-51, to start the season on Tuesday at the Cam Henderson Center in Huntington.
After a back and forth first period that saw the Irish and Panthers tied at 9-9, St Joe started to pull away and stretched the lead to double-digits at one point behind the hot shooting of Micaiah Ehirim. The Irish took a 28-21 lead into the locker room at the half.
The Panthers started to rally back in the third period behind the play of Bryson Elia and cut the lead to just one, 36-35, heading into the final frame. From there, Braydun Ferris took over with 11 points in the fourth quarter to help the Panthers escape Huntington with the win.
For Tug Valley, Ferris led the way with 21 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals. Elia scored 12 points, snagged 7 rebounds and had 4 steals. Kaden Hale netted 12 points and had 2 blocks. Carson Newsome added 4 points. Cameron Slone finished with 2 points. Ashton Davis chipped in with 1 point and 3 rebounds. Ethan Ferrell finished with 1 point and 2 rebounds.
For the Irish, Nymir Bryant led the way with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Ehirim and Noah Keaton followed with 11 points each. Isaiah Sanders added 9 points. Brody Runyon scored 5 points. Cylis Allen finished with 3 points.
Tug Valley will next play on December 19th at Pike County Central. St Joe will play at Chapmanville on Friday.
Photo Courtesy of Karen Watts
