The Logan Wildcats and Tug Valley Panthers have had quite a few fierce battles over the years, and Tuesday’s night game was no different. The 2nd ranked (Class A) Panthers built a big halftime lead and then withstood a strong rally from 3rd ranked (Class AA) Logan to pick up a 72-65 win at Willie Akers Arena.
Tug Valley (8-2) and Logan (9-2) had a back and forth first period that ended with the Panthers holding a slim 10-8 lead. The Panthers exploded in the second quarter, outscoring the Wildcats 25-12. Ethan Ferrell scored 9 points off the bench in the frame – all on three-point field goals, and Tug Valley led 35-20 at the half.
Logan staged a furious come back in the third period, outscoring the Panthers, 28-16. Zayden Sherod led the Wildcats in the quarter with 11 points to cut Tug Valley’s lead to 51-48 going into the final quarter.
Both teams exchanged buckets during the final quarter, but the Panthers were able to get a small lead and put the game away with some clutch free throws down the stretch to leave Logan with the win.
Braydun Ferris led Tug Valley with 20 points. Ashton Davis followed with 12 points. Ferrell and Kaden Hale scored 11 points apiece. Bryson Elia had 10 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. Carson Newsome finished with 8 points.
Sherod paced the Wildcats with 19 points and 13 rebounds. McCormick Ilderton followed with 15 points. Ivan Miller had 14 points and 6 rebounds. Lucas Lambert fired in 13 points. Matt Hatfield and Bentley Williamson finished with 2 points each.
Tug Valley will next host Charleston Catholic on Thursday. Logan is scheduled to play at county rival Chapmanville on Saturday.
Photo Courtesy of Karen Watts
