BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

NAUGATUCK — The Tug Valley Panthers started the new year off on the right foot with a 72-52 win over the West Logan Christian Warriors on Tuesday at their home gym in Naugatuck.

Coach Garland “Rabbit” Thompson’s Panthers improved to 5-0 on the young season with the 20-point win.

TVHS got an early lead with a 17-7 advantage after the first quarter. The Panthers extended the lead to 31-16 at the half.

Both West Logan and Tug Valley scored 21 in the third quarter. The No. 5-ranked Panthers outscored the Warriors 20-15 in the final period to pull away with the victory.

The Panthers played several players in the second half.

Sophomore point guard Braydun Ferris led the Panthers with 21 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and two blocked shots. Senior low post threat Buddy Marcum followed with 12 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Kaden Hale and Carson Newsome fired in nine points each, while Ashton Davis added eight. Bryson Elia scored four points. Brady Brewer recorded three points. Youngsters Jace Hale, Evan Bryant and Derek Jewell each scored two points.

The Panthers shot 55 % from the floor but only 23 % from 3-point land and 54 % at the free-throw line.

Jacob Walls led West Logan with 19 points, while Jordan Adams fired in 16 points and James Scites added 12.

Tug Valley will play local rival Mingo Central Tuesday up on Miner Mountain. Game time is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Score by quarters:

West Logan: 7 9 21 15 – 52

Tug Valley: 17 14 21 20 – 72