BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

NAUGATUCK, W. Va. – The Tug Valley Panthers, using full-court pressure, jumped out to a commanding 28-3 first quarter lead and coasted to a 78-35 victory over visiting Man in their Class A, Region IV, Section 2 opener.

The second quarter was a little closer as Tug edged the Hillbillies 16-15, but they turned things back up in the second half outscoring Man 34-17.

Kaden Hale led Tug Valley with 18 points, while Braydun Ferris and Buddy Marcum both added 13, Ashton Davis chipped in 9 and Bryson Elia added 6. Davis and Ferris both dished out 3 assists while Elia had 2. Marcum hauled in 10 rebounds for TVHS.

Coach Garland “Rabbit” Thompson played several players on the night. Others who got into the score-book were Preston May with 6, Carson Newsome added 5, Brady Brewer and Cameron Slone both scored 4 for the Panthers.

The Panthers shot 50% from the floor, but were cool from behind the arc, only making 4 three pointers out of 14 tries for 29%. They were 10-15 at the charity stripe for 57%.

“We got off to a good start and played well defensively,” Thompson said. “We shared the basketball. Our pressure can create some good shots for us.”

Justin Mullins led Man with 11 points.

Tug Valley (17-6) was scheduled to host rival Tolsia on Friday night in the sectional championship.

Score by quarters:
Man: 3 15 8 9 – 35
Tug: 28 16 18 16 – 78