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Tigers, Lewis County advance

ELKINS – Colby Gainer and Logan Phillips scored 16 points each to push Elkins past Hampshire, 56-52, in the opening round of the Class AAA, Region II, Section 2 tournament.

The Tigers (12-10) will travel to Lewis County (16-5) at 7 p.m. Friday for the sectional crown.

“It was an ugly game both ways,” Elkins coach John Lawson said. “Neither team played well offensively. I think we did well defensively, though. We made some adjustments and the kids responded. Offensively, we were stagnant and hesitant. While we didn’t play particularly well, when the game was on the line, we took care of business. Now, we’re moving on.”

The Tigers took command early, leading 14-10 after the first quarter. However, the Trojans found their groove in the second period, tying the game 25-25 at halftime. Both teams battled back and forth in the third quarter, with Elkins gaining a slight advantage, 46-45, going into the final stanza. Defense was the key in the fourth quarter, as Elkins scored 10 points and held Hampshire to seven for the victory.

Hampshire senior Dane Heavener led all scorers with 25 points. Junior Travis Clower added 15 points to the effort.

For the Tigers, Tyler Shreve contributed nine points, while Braden Hammond and Morgan Kelly added six points each.

Lewis County 73, B-U 41

WESTON – A trio of players reached double digits to help Lewis County advance to the sectional final.

The Minutemen held a 42-25 advantage at halftime. In the second half, LCHS used a stingy defense to hold the Bucs to 16 points and cruise to victory.

“We started out really well,” B-U coach Eli Gurash said. “Then, Lewis County converted a couple of turnovers in the second quarter into fast break points and that opened up the lead. We played them pretty even in the third period, but their press gave us trouble in the fourth quarter and we let it get away from us.”

Senior Johnnie Riley paced LCHS with 15 points. Joe Nichols and Skylar Carlton chipped in 11 points each.

Sophomore Josh Trent led B-U in scoring with 10 points. Jordan Look added nine points and three rebounds, while Zane Clevenger chipped in seven points and three rebounds.

“I felt our boys battled their way through a long, hard season,” Gurash said.

“They never gave up. They continued to fight. I’m very proud of them.”

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