BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
RED JACKET, W.Va. — The Miners of Mingo Central were just no match for their county rival Tug Valley Panthers on Saturday night at the MCHS gym. The No. 2 ranked Class A Panthers downed the Class AA Miners 70-54.
The Panthers jumped out to an 8-0 lead thanks to a couple of 3-pointers by Carson Newsome. Tug Valley came out with full-court pressure and forced several turnovers. This helped the Panthers take a 32-12 lead after the first quarter.
All-State guard Braydun Ferris scored 13 in the first quarter and dished out three assists to lead TVHS to the early lead. He swished in a trio of 3-pointers.
Kaden Hale added eight first-half points to help Coach Garland Thompson’s team with their early lead.
Tug Valley let off the gas in the second period, but led 43-25 heading into the dressing room at halftime.
The Panthers outscored the Miners 23-12 in the third and coasted to the win.
Ferris finished the game with 18 points and six assists to help lead Tug Valley. Kaden Hale scored 13 points, Bryson Elia and Cam Slone each chipped in nine, Newsome had eight, Ashton Davis added seven and Ethan Ferrell six for a balanced scoring attack.
Elia pulled down seven rebounds to lead the Panthers in that category.
Kendan Trent led Mingo Central with 17 points, while Caden Porter and Brody Dotson each scored 10 and Aiden Burke added six.
Tug Valley, now 7-2 on the season, is slated for two road games this week as they travel to Logan and Sherman, weather permitting.
Mingo Central, coached by Stan Elkins, was scheduled to take on Wyoming East and Mount View, both on the road this week. The Miners saw their record fall to 2-5.
Score by quarters:
Tug: 32 11 23 4 – 70
Mingo: 12 13 12 17 – 54