BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

CLEAR FORK, W.Va. — The Tug Valley Panthers lost a tough road contest to Class AA Westside 77-69 Tuesday night in Wyoming County.

The Renegades took a slim one-point lead after one quarter at 21-20. Westside outscored the Panthers 18-12 in the second quarter to extend the lead to seven at the half.

The game continued to be close in the second half, but the home team extended the lead and held on down the stretch for the win.

Kaden Hale led Tug Valley with 22 points including four 3-pointers. Bryson Elia was next with 10 points, while Braydun Ferris, Buddy Marcum, Carson Newsome and Ashton Davis each scored eight points, Brady Brewer chipped in three and Preston May two. Ferris dished out six dimes for Tug Valley.

Bryson Blankenship led Westside with 26 points, while Brayden French swished in 18 and Austin Bishop added 17.

Tug Valley will enter the postseason with a 16-6 record and ranked No. 2 in Class A.

Score by quarters:
Tug Valley: 20 12 24 13 – 69
Westside: 21 18 22 16 – 77

Tug Valley will now head into tournament action.

Here is the schedule for the first week.

Class A, Region IV
Section 1

Monday, Feb. 26
No. 5 Van at No. 4 Man

Wednesday, Feb. 28
Game 1 winner at No. 1 Tug Valley
No. 3 Sherman at No. 2 Tolsia

Friday, March 1
Semifinal winners