BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

WILLIAMSON, W.Va. — The Pike County Central Hawks flew past the Tug Valley Panthers on the first night of the Hatfield-McCoy Shootout played Friday at the historic Williamson Fieldhouse. The Kentucky squad handed the West Virginia boys their second loss of the season 67-46.

The Hawks handled Tug Valley’s full-court pressure and built a 25-10 lead with 4:07 left in the second quarter, leading 33-12 with 1:52 left in the half. They continued their strong offensive performances behind Jaylen Rigdon and Jaden Stewart and led 38-17 heading into the dressing room at halftime.

Pike Central outscored Tug Valley 19-6 in the third quarter to take a commanding lead, then coasted to the victory.

The Panthers were not hitting their shots on this night. They finished just 4-20 from behind the arc for 20% and 4-12 at the free-throw line for 33%.

Meanwhile, the Hawks were 20-40 from the field for 50%, 8-18 from 3-point land for 44% and 3-of-4 at the foul line.

Stewart led Pike Central with 23 points, while Ridgon scored 16 and pulled down eight rebounds. Blake Adams chipped in 13 for the Hawks.

Tug Valley, ranked No. 2 in Class A in the Mountain State, saw its record drop to 12-2.

Braydun Ferris was the only Panther in double figures with 19 points. Bryson Elia scored seven, Buddy Marcum six, Ashton Davis five, Kaden Hale five and Carson Newsome four. Marcum led TV with nine boards.

Other scores from the first day of the Shootout saw Mingo Central beat Belfry 55-43 while Phelps beat Westside 58-53, and Belfry Middle School was a 41-36 winner over Williamson.

Score by quarters:
Pike Central: 15 23 19 10 – 67
Tug Valley: 10 7 6 23 – 46