The Hundred Hornets battled the Paden City Wildcats for four tough quarters before getting the best of their Wetzel County rival, 53-38, in the Hornet’s Nest Feb. 18.

The Wildcats had trouble staying afloat as they clawed a hole early in the opening period before navigating to a respectable 24-14 count at the break and before sinking in the second half.

The Hornet defense was in sync, preventing most of the ‘Cats from getting into any type of offensive flow. The Wildcats saw a trap defense at mid-court and the paint was filled with Hornets waiting to use their stingers.

Despite the stout Hornet defense, Wildcat senior standout Malakai Anderson – who had just netted his 1,000 points two nights before against Wood County – led all scorers with a game-high 22 points, including one basket from deep beyond the arc.

However, the ‘Cats didn’t have an answer for Tyrell Watson, Jesse Tedrow and Emery Smith, as they each scored in double figures enroute to a combined 31 points.

The ‘Cats countered with Zach Yost. who posted eight markers, while Josh Bennett contributed four points and Geoffrey Bidwell and Peyton Hinkley each netted a deuce.

The Hornets would counter with a swarm a total 21 points, with Zach Phillips netting nine, while Dalton Kuhn, Logan McDiffitt, Mitch Moore and Shane Kuhn chipped in the rest.

Because of the weather, both teams finished the regular season and will start sectionals Saturday, Feb. 27.

Paden City 38,

Gilmer County 49

The Wildcats Malakai Anderson and Zach Yost combined for 27 of the ‘Cats 38 points, but it wasn’t enough for them to get past Gilmer County in the Region One, Section II Sectionals 49-38 to end their post-season dreams.

The Wildcats fell behind 13-5 in the opening period, but out scored Gilmer 14-12 in the second period to stay in the thick of things at the break.

However, Gilmer had something to say about that and narrowly out scored the ‘Cats in each of the final two periods to gain the nod.

Only four Wildcats dented the scoreboard with Yost leading the charge with 14 points, while adding three assists. Anderson ended his outstanding athletic career where he tallied 1,000 points for his career, with a bakers dozen, including a pair of three point baskets. He also added six assists and swiped two balls. Josh Bennett tallied all his points from beyond the arc with a pair of baskets, while Peyton Hinkley netted three points, while hauling in 10 rebounds.