Paden City’s Malakai Anderson netted a game-high 24 points and dished off nine assists to lead the Wildcats to their second straight victory in the OVAC Consolation Class A Tournament against Toronto, 54-51, Feb. 20 at Bob Burton Gymnasium.

Paden City outscored the the Red Knights 18-16 in the opening eight minutes, but Toronto took the lead at the break, 28-27.

However, the never-say-die Wildcats clawed their way back to grab a four-point lead heading into the final period. Toronto never gave up, either, and trimmed the ‘Cats advantage to a bucket when the horn sounded.

When Anderson wasn’t scoring for the ‘Cats, he was dishing off assists to teammates, pulling down five rebounds, swiping balls, and blocking two shots for the red-hot Wildcats.

Josh Bennett swished the cords from beyond the arc four times for his 12 points, while Zach Yost netted nine markers, including one from long range. The rest of the Wildcat points came from Peyton Hinkley, Geoffrey Bidwell, and Taylor Still.

Before sectional play begins next week, the ‘Cats will travel to Hundred tonight to complete the regular season in a clash of two Wetzel County teams that starts at 7 p.m.

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Paden City held Bellaire St. John to six second-half points and made it three wins this season with a convincing 47-21 drubbing in the consolation game, in the OVAC, Feb. 18 in Bellaire.

Unlike other Wetzel County teams, the Wildcats showed no ill effects of the snow-in layoff to start the game and took a 19-7 lead after one period of play. The ‘Cats increased their advantage to 32-15 at the break.

However, the Wildcats scored only four points in the third period, while holding the Irish to four markers. In the final eight minutes, the ‘Cats used a 11-2 run to gain the nod.

Josh Bennett led his team in scoring with 14 points that included three trifectas. Malakai Anderson followed with 13 points, including a basket from beyond the arc, while adding eight assists, five rebounds, and swiping four Irish balls.

Zach Yost was the third double-digit scorer for Paden City with 10 points that also included a triple. He also took the ball away from Bellaire six times. Geoffrey Bidwell netted five points, while Peyton Hinkley netted two points and hauled in a game-high nine boards. Jamie Billiter also added a deuce, while Taylor Still netted a free throw and pulled down six boards.

The Wildcats missed 20 charity tosses, while making only seven.

Paden City’s Malakai Anderson and Zach Yost combined for 38 points, but it wasn’t enough to get by Clay-Battelle, who prevailed 59-56 Feb. 22 in Blacksville.

The host Cee-Bees took a six-point lead after one period and hung on for the three-point victory. Anderson added six assists, five rebounds, and three steals, while Yost added five assists and a steal for the Wildcats.

Josh Bennett also was in double figures with 11 markers, including a pair of three-point baskets. Peyton Hinkley scored five points and hauled in a team-high eight boards, while Drew Bidwell added a deuce.

The Wildcats will end the regular season on the road today in Hundred at 7 p.m. before taking on Gilmer County in the Class A Region I, Section II Sectionals at Ritchie County High School. That contest gets underway at 4 p.m., Feb. 27.