BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — Tug Valley made the most of its time at the historic Williamson Fieldhouse, securing back-to-back victories over Kentucky rivals Phelps and Belfry in the 23rd Annual Hatfield-McCoy Shootout on Friday and Saturday.
Tug Valley got revenge over the Phelps Hornets on Friday night, downing the Pike County, Kentucky, squad 68-49. The Hornets had handed the Panthers one of their only two losses earlier this season in a home game at Naugatuck.
The Panthers led 21-13 after the first quarter and held the Hornets to just seven points in the second period to lead 37-20 at halftime.
Braydun Ferris scored 16 first-half points to help TVHS build their lead. The junior also surpassed 1,000 career points in the first half.
“I’m very blessed,” a modest Ferris said of the achievement. “It is something I have wanted to accomplish my whole career, but I couldn’t do it without my teammates and coaches.”
Phelps battled back in the third quarter to outscore Tug Valley 17-13, but the Panthers pulled away in the final 8 minutes to pull out the win.
Ferris led the Panthers with 22 points and dished out seven assists. Kaden Hale was close behind with 19 points and assists. Carson Newsome scored 11 points. Ashton Davis contributed eight points, Bryson Elia flipped in six points, and Cam Slone chipped in two points.
Elia had a team-high nine rebounds, Hale pulled down six boards and Ferris had five rebounds. Elia also dished out three assists for Coach Garland “Rabbit” Thompson’s squad.
“I thought we were ready to play,” Thompson said. “We love to play here at the Fieldhouse. I love this event and our kids do. I think this is great for the community.”
The coach emphasized the importance of long-term growth.
“We don’t want to peak too soon,” said Thompson. “We just try to get better every day.”
Big Tyler Weddington banked in 26 points and hauled down 14 rebounds to lead Phelps.
Phelps, coached by Cameron Smith, was playing for the fourth consecutive night and looked like they may have been a bit tired.
Score by quarters:
Phelps:13 7 17 12 – 49
Tug: 21 16 13 18 – 68
Tug downs Belfry 65-37
The top-ranked Class A team in the Mountain State took on a Kentucky rival in the finale of the Hatfield-McCoy Shootout on Saturday night before a large crowd at the Williamson Fieldhouse. The Tug Valley Panthers rolled over the Belfry Pirates 65-37 in the “border battle” to improve to 15-2 on the season.
The local fieldhouse is a home away from home for Tug Valley. The Panthers play well in the historic venue, which has been the site for so many great games throughout the years.
Tug Valley forced 17 Belfry turnovers, which in turn helped the Panthers offense. They held the Pirates to 29% shooting.
Braydun Ferris led a balanced Tug Valley attack with 20 points, while Ashton Davis scored 15, Ethan Ferrell 12 and Carson Newsome 10. Bryson Elia chipped in six points, while Kaden Hale had two.
Ferris dished out six assists.
The Panthers outscored Belfry in every quarter and led 31-24 at the half. They held the Pirates to single-digit scoring in the final two quarters to pull away.
TVHS was 5-8 from behind the arc for 63%. They shot 42% from the floor and were 8-13 at the free-throw line for 63%.
Tug Valley was slated to play Summit Prep School and Mingo Central this week.
Score by quarters:
Belfry:13 11 6 7 – 37
Tug: 18 15 20 12 – 65