BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

NAUGATUCK, W.Va. — The Class A No. 2-ranked and defending state champion Tug Valley Panthers defeated Charleston Catholic, the Class AA No. 7 and defending state champion, 68-58 at the TVHS gym Thursday night.

Charleston Catholic led 21-18 after the first quarter of play.

After turning up the defense, Tug Valley outscored the Irish 15-10 in the second quarter. The Panthers took a 33-31 lead heading into the dressing room at halftime. Braydun Ferris scored 11 in the first half to lead TVHS. Teammate Ashton Davis added seven points and Carson Newsome six.

Both teams scored 17 points in the third quarter as the game remained close.

The Panthers outscored the visitors 18-10 in the final 8 minutes to pull out the victory.

Newsome swished in nine in the third period while Ethan Ferrell continued to provide a big spark off the bench with eight points in the final and decisive quarter. Newsome added six in the fourth quarter.

Leading Tug Valley in scoring, Newsome fired in 21 points. Ferris followed with 13 points. Ferrell added 12 points, Davis 11, Byson Elia six and Kaden Hale five for a balanced offensive attack.

Ferris dished out six assists and four steals, while Elia handed out four assists.

The Panthers shot 55% from the floor but only made 4-12 from behind the arc for 44%. They were 8-11 at the free-throw line for 73%.

William Gruse and Mikaden Hale both scored 14 to lead CCHS. Wilkes Aliff added 13, Jaden Ranson 11 and John Kimble seven.

Charleston Catholic was 56% from the field and made 8-15 from long distance for 53%. They hit 4-6 at the foul line for 67%.

Tug Valley improved to 9-2 on the season. The Irish fell to 6-5 on the year.

The Panthers are scheduled to hit the road this week as they travel to Sherman and Tolsia.

Score by quarters:
CCHS: 21 10 17 10 – 58
TUG: 18 15 17 18 – 68