The Tug Valley Panthers are back in the title game after they defeated a very tough Greater Beckley Christian Crusaders squad in the Class A semifinals on Friday at the Charleston Civic Center.
The Panthers (24-2) jumped out of the gate quickly, storming out to a 9-1 lead, but GBC answered and cut Tug Valley’s lead to 15-11 at the intermission. The Panthers were able to slowly extend the lead to 31-22 at the intermission.
The Crusaders opened the third period on a 9-0 run to knot the score up at 31-31, but Carson Newsome nailed a huge three-pointer in the corner to spark another Panther run. Ashton Davis hit two big three-pointers in the final minutes of the quarter to give Tug Valley a 48-37 lead heading into the final quarter.
Greater Beckley Christian got within six points in the quarter, but could never get closer as the Panthers moved on to the title game.
Ashton Davis led the Panthers with 21 points. Braydun Ferris followed with 20 points and 8 assists. Bryson Elia had 12 points and 8 rebounds. Kaden Hale fired in 10 points. Carson Newsome scored 6 points. Ethan Ferrell finished with 2 points.
Drew Fitzwater led the Crusaders with 26 points and 11 rebounds. Keegan Davidson added 12 points in the loss.
The Panthers will play Tucker County in the Class A Championship game on Saturday at 7:30 pm.
