BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

NAUGATUCK, W.Va. — It was extremely cold outside, but the Tug Valley Panthers heated things up inside the TVHS gym with an 87-43 win Jan. 14 at Naugatuck.

Several players saw varsity action and 11 got into the scoring column for Coach Garland “Rabbit” Thompson’s squad. Coach Thompson said he was excited that he was able to get some good minutes for several players on the roster.

The Panthers jumped out to a 31-7 first-quarter lead and led 49-15 at the break.

Freshman Aiden Fleming led the Panthers with 20 points, five assists and three steals coming off the pines. Cameron Slone followed with 14 points and five assists. Braxton Perry had 11 points and five rebounds. Carson Newsome scored nine points and three steals. Braydun Ferris scored eight points, while Derek Jewell chipped six points, and Ethan Ferrell and Kaden Hale scored five points each. Bryson Elia, Ashton Davis and Jace Hale finished with three points apiece in limited action.

“We’re not where we need to be, but we are getting there,” Thompson said. Tug Valley, ranked No. 2 in Class A, is now 6-2 on the season.

Van saw its record fall to 0-7. Mason Johner led the Bulldogs with 18 points.

The Panthers will play Mingo Central on the road Saturday night.

Score by quarters:
Van: 7 8 11 17 – 43
Tug: 31 18 19 19 – 87