The St. Marys Blue Devils punched their ticket to Championship Saturday, rallying late to defeat Tug Valley 52-50 in a thrilling WVSSAC Class A Girls Basketball State Tournament Semifinal at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center.

St. Marys struck first when Laney Watkins knocked down a three-pointer midway through the opening quarter, helping the Blue Devils take an early lead. Tug Valley answered quickly behind Katie Hall, who scored on a put-back basket to give the Panthers a 16-15 advantage at the end of the first quarter.

The Blue Devils regained control early in the second period thanks to Brynnley Bulluck, who erupted for 18 first-half points, including a three-pointer that pushed St. Marys ahead. Anna Bennett added back-to-back baskets during a 9-0 run, helping the Blue Devils carry a 29-22 lead into halftime.

St. Marys extended the margin in the third quarter when Landry Riggs buried a three, but Tug Valley continued to battle back. Haven Deskins led the Panthers with 15 points, trimming the deficit to 41-35 entering the fourth quarter.
The Panthers surged ahead during a 14-1 run spanning the third and fourth quarters, capped by a basket from Hall to give Tug Valley a 44-42 lead with five minutes remaining.

The final moments were dramatic. With 40 seconds left, Bulluck drilled a deep three-pointer to tie the game at 50-50. Moments later, Bulluck secured a key rebound and pushed the ball ahead to Watkins for a breakaway layup with 15 seconds remaining, giving St. Marys the lead for good.

Bulluck finished with a game-high 29 points as St. Marys held off Tug Valley to secure the 52-50 victory.
With the win, the Blue Devils advance to the WVSSAC Class A Championship Game, where they will face the winner of Gilmer County vs. Ritchie County.

Final Score: St. Marys 52, Tug Valley 50
Event: WVSSAC Girls Basketball State Tournament – Class A Semifinal
Location: Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center