BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — The Tug Valley Panthers defeated the Pike County Central Hawks 67-64 in a hard-fought overtime thriller in the Coalfields Legends Classic. The two teams battled at the historic Williamson Fieldhouse on Thursday, Dec. 19.
“We were a little lucky to pull that one out,” said TV head coach Garland “Rabbit” Thompson. “We had a chance at the end of regulation, but we didn’t execute very well. But I’m proud of our kids for playing hard.”
“You have to give Pike County Central a lot of credit,” Thompson said. “They went zone on us late and that took us out of our offense a little.”
Tug Valley outscored the Hawks 5-2 in the extra 4:00 minute OT period to win the game.
The Panthers led 14-11 after one quarter and took a slim 28-27 lead into the dressing room at halftime.
The Hawks outscored the Panthers 25-20 in the third quarter to take the lead, but TV fought back and tied it at 62-62 at the end of regulation.
“I told our players I thought they played smart in the final two minutes and in overtime,” Thompson added. “Defensively we didn’t break down like we did some in the first half. We had not played in nine days and that might have had something to do with our slower start.”
Braydun Ferris and Kaden Hale each fired in 20 points to lead Tug Valley in scoring.
Ferris also dished out seven assists. Ashton Davis banked in 11, Carson Newsome had 10, Bryson Elia added four and Cam Slone two for TVHS.
Jaden Stewart of PCCHS was the game-high scorer with 28 points, while Peyton Owens added 14 and Grant Hall chipped in nine.
Thompson noted those who played football were still getting into basketball shape due to the late start they got on the hardwood with their great run in postseason football.
Tug Valley made 8-15 3-pointers for 53% and shot 44% from the floor. They were 11-20 at the foul line of 55%.
“Offensively we’re still a beat behind – maybe a step slower,” Thompson stressed. “We’ll iron that out.”
Thompson said the historic Williamson Fieldhouse is his favorite venue other than their home court at the TVHS gym.
“We love playing here,” he said.
The University of Pikeville played WVU Tech after the high school game.
Tug Valley, ranked No. 1 in the Coaches Poll in Class A in the Mountain State, did not get much time to rest as the Panthers were slated to host regional rival Tolsia the next night at Naugatuck.
Score by quarters:
Pike Cent.: 11 16 25 10 2 – 64
Tug Valley: 14 14 20 14 5 – 67