BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

NAUGATUCK, W.Va. — Tug Valley came so close last year to winning a Class A state championship in basketball. They just came up a little short in the final game in Charleston against a really good and tall Gilmer County squad.

Coach Seth Ooten was not surprised at his team’s 26-2 record last season.

“Going into the season last year, I knew we had a chance to make some noise around the state. The talent of that team and their preparation in the offseason made them special,” Ooten said of the Lady Panthers.

Tug Valley returns several starters and some key reserves this year.

Ooten talked about those players.

“Our guard play with Kylie DeBoard and Haven Deskins is tremendous. Their ability to score and create makes them both very dangerous,” he said.

“Bailee and Katie Hall are both athletic post players that rebound as good as any two players I’ve seen. They both have the ability to create second-chance opportunities and score,” Ooten continued.

“Katelynn Richardson was someone we depended on many times last year coming off the bench. She is a mismatch with her size and ability to handle the ball. Mindi Dearnell, Alexis Messer, Lily Mounts, and Brooke Spaulding will also be key contributors to this team’s success,” Ooten said of his other veteran returning players.

Not only do the Lady Panthers return an experienced roster, but they have added depth with an influx of new young talent.

“Gracie Hynd is a girl that has all the tools. It has been great to watch her grow and compete,” said Ooten. “Lauryn White is also a freshman who is very talented and doesn’t shy away from competition. If the doors are open, both of these freshmen show up to work. That speaks to why they are both so talented at a young age,” Ooten stressed.

Tug Valley does not shy away from competition in the regular season and Ooten has prepared a tough schedule for his squad.

“You have to push yourself with the teams you play,” he said. “Not being battle-tested throughout the season may cost you in a close game against a good opponent in an elimination game. We like the challenge and want to be pushed in the regular season.”

The schedule includes games with Class AAA Chapmanville, county rival and Class AA Mingo Central, defending Class A champion Gilmer County, home and away with River View and Sherman, just to name a few.

Ooten and his staff expect another good season and a return trip to the state tournament in March.

“I wouldn’t say I have expectations of this team. All I ever ask of them is effort. The results come from their effort in everything they do from preparation, practices and finally the games. Win or lose, I only ask for effort,” Ooten concluded.

Ooten’s assistant coaches are Christa Hall, Makayla May and Whitney Ooten.

Lady Panthers Roster

• Bailee Hall #00 senior
• Brooke Spaulding #25 senior
• Mindi Dearnell #33 senior
• Haven Deskins #13 senior
• Katelynn Richardson #14 junior
• Alexis Messer #5 junior
• Kylie DeBoard #21 junior
• Maria Pilkins #23 junior
• Makayle Bryant #32 sophomore
• Lily Mounts #24 sophomore
• Katie Hall #3 sophomore
• Gracie Hynd #31 freshman
• Lauryn White #20 freshman

Tug Valley Girls Schedule

• 12/04/25 7 p.m. H – Chapmanville
• 12/08/25 7 p.m. A – Sherman
• 12/11/25 7:30 p.m. H – Mingo Central
• 12/18/25 6 p.m. A – Winfield
• 12/19/25 TBA H – Cameron
• 12/20/25 TBA H – Union
• 12/23/25 5:30 p.m. H – Gilmer County
• 12/29/25 TBA H – Man
• 12/31/25 2:30 p.m. A – Phelps
• 01/03/26 12:30 p.m. A – Lewis Co. (KY)
• 01/06/26 7 p.m. A – River View
• 01/08/26 7 p.m. H – Tolsia
• 01/10/26 7:30 p.m. A – Pocahontas Co.
• 01/15/26 7 p.m. A – Wayne
• 01/17/26 5:45 p.m. A – Gilmer County
• 01/26/26 7 p.m. A – Man
• 01/28/26 7:30 p.m. A – Lawrence Co. (KY)
• 01/29/26 7:30 p.m. A – Mingo Central
• 02/02/26 7 p.m. A – Tolsia
• 02/07/26 7 p.m. H – Sherman
• 02/10/26 7 p.m. H – River View
• 02/17/26 7 p.m. A – Chapmanville