Panthers Vanquish Tucker County To Reach Class A Championship
The 2nd seed Tug Valley Panthers pulled away in the middle quarters to defeat the 6th seed Tucker County Mountain Lions, 56-43, in the West Virginia Class A semifinals at the Charleston Civic Center on Thursday. With the win, Tug Valley advances to the Class A title game for the third consecutive season and now has a chance at a history three-peat.
Tug Valley (20-5) started out the game on a 10-2 run, but Tucker County (17-9) roared back and cut the Panthers' lead to 15-14 at the end of the opening period. Tucker County was able to take the lead midway through the second period, but the Panthers finished strong. Braydun Ferris drove to the lane and kicked it over the Zade Rash who knocked down a corner three-pointer just before the first half buzzer to give Tug Valley a 27-20 lead at the intermission.
The Panthers extended the lead to 46-34 heading into the final frame. There the Panthers were able to be patient with the ball closed out the game for the huge win.
Ferris had 26 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and dished out 4 assists to lead all scorers. Ferris' 26 points gives him exactly 2,000 points for his career and makes him only the second player to reach that milestone behind only Greg Davis. Rash had 9 points and 6 rebounds. Carson Newsome also had 9 points and 3 assists. Cameron Slone dropped in 7 points. Bryson Elia had 3 points and 5 blocks. Preston May finished with 2 points in the win.
Cayden Arnold lead Tucker County with 17 points.
Tug Valley only committed 5 turnovers while forcing 13 turnovers and generating 17 points off those turnovers.
The Panthers will try to complete their historic three-peat on Saturday morning against the winner of Greater Beckley Christian and East Hardy in the Class A Championship at 10 am.
PHOTO CREDIT: WVSSAC
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