The 2nd ranked (Class A) Tug Valley Panthers defeated the 7th ranked (Class AA) Charleston Catholic Irish, 68-58, on Thursday at Tug Valley High School in a game featuring two state champions from a year ago.
The Irish (6-6) came out strong in the opening period and took a 21-18 lead. Tug Valley (9-2) battled back in the second frame, outscoring Charleston Catholic 15-10 to take a 33-31 lead into the locker room at the half.
Both teams continued to go back and forth throughout the third period as the Panthers maintained a slim 50-48 advantage heading into the final quarter. Tug Valley was able to get 8 points from Ethan Ferrell and 6 points from Carson Newsome in the fourth period and pulled away to get the double digit win.
The Panther defense was suffocating all night, forcing 15 turnovers while only giving up 4 turnovers on the offensive end.
Newsome led the Panthers with 21 points. Braydun Ferris followed with 13 points, 6 assists and 4 steals. Ferrell fired in 12 points. Ashton Davis netted 11 points. Bryson Elia dropped in 6 points and dished out 4 assists. Kaden Hale finished with 5 points.
Tug Valley is next scheduled to play at Sherman on Tuesday.
Photo Courtesy of Karen Watts
