BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

NAUGATUCK, W.Va. — The Tug Valley Panthers are one step closer to the state tournament. They downed rival Tolsia 71-43 Friday night in the Class A, Region IV, Section I championship game played in front of the “Naugatuck Nightmares,” which is a huge home crowd advantage.

The No. 3-ranked Tug (18-6) will host one of the two regional co-finals Tuesday night, playing host to the Wahama White Falcons.

The sectional title is the second straight for the Panthers and the 24th overall in school history.

Tug Valley led 33-25 at the half and Coach Garland “Rabbit” Thompson knew the Rebels were still in striking distance. His adjustments at halftime must have been what the Panthers needed.

In the third quarter, Tug Valley turned up the heat and outscored Tolsia 27-7 to take a commanding lead.

Ashton Davis led three players in double figures for the Panthers with 20 points. The junior also pulled down a team-high eight rebounds and dished out four assists.

Kaden Hale was next with 16 points, while Braydun Ferris added 14 points and five assists. Bryson Elia added eight points, while big Buddy Marcum banked in six. Brady Brewer chipped in three off the bench and Carson Newsome added four off the pines.

Coach Thompson said he was proud of his team and pleased with the fan support. He was also happy with the balanced scoring and the way the team came out and played tough in the second half.

Tug Valley shot 49% from the floor including 9-23 from behind the 3-point line for 36%. They were 12-16 at the foul line for 83%.

Parker Watts led Tolsia with 20 points, while Peyton Muncy added 12.

Score by quarters:
Tolsia: 12 13 7 11 – 43
Tug: 21 12 26 12 – 71