BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

NAUGATUCK, W.Va. — The Tug Valley Lady Panthers saw their season come to an end with a co-regional final lost to highly ranked Gilmer County 63-33 Tuesday night at the TVHS gym.

Tug Valley had reached the Class A, Region IV final with an upset win over sectional rival Tolsia last week.

The Lady Titans of Gilmer County, now 23-2 on the season, jumped out to a 25-8 lead after one quarter and led 40-12 at halftime. Ava Dobbins scored 13 in the first half for the visitors, while Allie Ellyson chipped in nine and Malory Casteel eight in the first two quarters.

Haven Deskins swished in six, while Bailee Hall added 5 in the first half for Tug Valley.

The Lady Titans continued their fine offensive performance in the third quarter and coasted to the victory after that.

Dobbins led the Lady Titans with 13 points, Casteel finished with 12, Lena Frymier scored 11, Ellyson nine and Baylee Frashure eight in a balanced scoring attack by Gilmer County. Stevie Starsick and Laura Brannon both chipped in three points for Gilmer, while Kennedy Gainer added two points.

Hall finished with 15 to lead the Lady Panthers, while Deskins finished with 12. Riley Porter and Zoey Hensley each scored two points for Coach Seth Ooten’s squad, while Katelyn Richardson scored one free throw. Tug Valley finished the season at 6-19 but won the sectional trophy and hopes to build for the future under first-year head coach Ooten.

Head coach Amy Chapman’s Gilmer County team will now head to the West Virginia State Tournament at the Charleston Civic Center next week.

Huntington St. Joseph’s defeated Tolsia 54-34 in the other Class A, Region IV co-final.

Score by quarters:
Gilmer: 25 15 16 7 – 63
Tug Valley: 8 4 11 10 – 33