The lumberjacks cut down the Wildcats on Friday night, March 9, in Pine Grove 54-48 to take the next step towards a berth in the WV State Basketball ball tournament beginning March 18-22 in Charleston.

The win sends them to a regional co-final game against Magnolia on Wednesday, March 12, in New Martinsville.

The Lumberjacks behind senior guards Gavin Derby (16 points) and Trevor Stackpole (17 points) fell behind 11-9 after eight minutes of play, but came back strong in the second quarter to out score the visitors 17-8 and go into the locker room at the half up 26-20.

Both teams hit for 28 points in the second half to give Valley their third win in four meetings over the Wildcats this season.

Derby hit for nine points in the fourth quarter with seven coming from the free throw line. Stackpole’s 17 markers included four from beyond the arc. The Lumberjacks also received nine points from Gaige Wichterman and six from Wyatt Rogers. Koleton Kinkade, Cayden Stackpole, and Landen Jerico all added two.

Wood County was led by Owen Allman who had a game high 19. He was backed by Eli Christian with nine and Broeyn Joseph with six.

The Lumberjacks hit 19 shots from the field including eight 3’s and made 8-18 from the free throw line. The visiting Wildcats hit 17 field goals including five 3’s and made 9-13 from the foul line.