By PAMELA SCOTT JOHNSON

Sports Editor

WAYNE -- The Tug Valley Lady Panthers dug their claws in to hang on for a close 47-44 win on the road over Wayne High School on Jan. 11.

It took a huge effort by Elizabeth Evans and the senior responded. The talented guard netted 26, pulled down 6 boards, dished out 5 assists, and came up with 5 steals on defense to lift the Panthers over Wayne.

"We are lucky to get the win tonight," said head coach Okey Smith. "For three and half quarters we played with zero intensity. The last quarter and half we played much better and was able to pull out the win. We did have some bright spots. Elizabeth Evans played very good but, we still need to get her some help to be successful."

Hannah Armstrong tossed in 8 points and had 6 rebounds to follow Evans. Paige Runyon added 4 points and 6 boards while Samie Preece had 3 points, 3 assists and 3 steals.

"We went a little deeper on our bench tonight and Alicen (Mounts), Cassie (Griffith), and Laeisha (Baisden) responded with some good productive minutes for us," Smith said.

The Pioneers were led by Paige Childers' 14 points and Taylor Bartram's 10.

Tug improved to 4-7 with the win and will host the John Preece Tournament tonight at Naugatuck. Mingo Central, Belfry and Williamstown are the teams taking part in this year's tourney.

"We will have to play much better this weekend as we have a very good Williamstown team and a very good Belfry team coming in to play us," said Smith. "I would like to invite everyone to come out to Tug Valley High School this weekend to watch us and our other county team (Mingo Central) match up against one of the best teams in West Virginia and the always tough Belfry Lady Pirates."

The Lady Miners start the evening against the Lady Pirates tonight at 6:30 p.m. followed by Williamstown vs. Tug Valley. On Saturday, Williamstown battles Mingo at noon and Belfry faces Tug at 2 p.m.

SCORE BY QUARTERS:

TVHS: 11 14 9 13

WHS: 13 15 9 7

INDIVIDUAL SCORING:

Tug Valley: E. Evans 26, H. Armstrong 8, P. Runyon 4, S. Preece 3, C. Griffith 2 and A. Mounts 4.

Wayne: P. Childers 14, T. Bartram 10, S. Queen 8, S. Hooks 8, H. Ratliff 2 and A. Toney 2.