BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

NAUGATUCK, W.Va. — The top-ranked Tug Valley Panthers took care of business with a 66-50 home victory over No. 4-ranked Huntington St. Joe on Feb. 4 at TVHS gym.

The win came before a packed house in Naugatuck, adding to the electric atmosphere.

Junior guard Braydun Ferris led Tug Valley with 27 points, including 15 in the second quarter.

Senior Kaden Hale followed with 15 for TVHS. Carson Newsome chipped in nine, Ashton Davis swished in a pair of 3s for six points and Bryson Elia and Ethan Ferrell each scored five points.

Tug Valley came out with their patented full-court pressure and forced the Irish into several turnovers. The Panthers came away with 10 steals, three each by Hale and Elia.

Coach Garland “Rabbit” Thompson’s team jumped out to an 18-8 lead and led 41-24 heading into the break at halftime.

St. Joe outscored the Panthers 16-11 in the third quarter to cut into the lead, but TVHS outscored the visitors 14-10 in the final 8 minutes to pull away.

“It was a good win over a regional opponent,” Thompson said. “Our kids play hard and they don’t quit. Anytime you get a win like this you have to be pleased.”

It was the second win over St. Joe this season, which should help in the postseason tournament seedings.

“Our schedule is brutal,” said Thompson. “It doesn’t get any easier.”

Tug Valley shot 44% from the floor and 39% from behind the arc, making 7-18. They were 11-16 at the foul line for 69%.

For St. Joe, Isiah Sanders led with 16 points and Noah Keaton followed with 13.

Score by quarters:

St. Joe: 9 15 16 10 – 50

Tug: 18 23 11 14 – 66