BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

NAUGATUCK, W.Va. — The top-ranked Tug Valley Panthers coasted to an 86-49 regional tournament victory over Gilmer County on Friday at the TVHS gym at Naugatuck.

The Class A Panthers, defending state champs, are now 21-2 and riding a 17-game winning streak.

Tug Valley jumped out to a 33-12 first-quarter lead and had a convincing 51-20 lead at the halftime break.

Junior point guard Braydun Ferris scored 15 first-half points to lead the way, while Carson Newsome fired in 14, all in the first quarter.

Once again, TV had a balanced scoring attack. Ferris finished with 15 and Newsome 14, while Ethan Ferrell came off the bench to score 14, Ashton Davis hit for 12 and Bryson Elia 10. Cam Slone added nine points and Kaden Hale six for Coach Garland “Rabbit” Thompson’s squad.

The Panthers turned up the defensive pressure to force 18 turnovers, many of which led to some easy baskets.

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

TVHS shot 59% from the field, including 11-21 from long distance for 53%.

Jacob Mick led Gilmer County with 12 points, while Kolten Holbert added 11 for the visitors.

With the win, Tug Valley will advance to Wednesday night’s regional co-championship game at home against Sherman (14-9) at 7 p.m. The Tide advances with a 48-42 win over Wirt County. Tug Valley has defeated Sherman twice this season, 69-30 and 67-39.

The Panthers are one win away from reaching the state tournament and four wins away from back-to-back state championships.

On a side note unrelated to the basketball floor, the players from Gilmer County brought cleaning supplies to donate to the flood victims in the Naugatuck area. The TV staff and fans were very appreciative.

Score by quarters:
Gilmer: 12 8 13 16 – 49
Tug: 33 18 22 13 – 86