Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

CHESAPEAKE — It was almost an instant replay.

On Friday, Chesapeake took an early lead and then found itself tied at 25 after three quarters. The Panthers then used a big scoring spurt to begin the fourth quarter to beat Ironton 45-36.

The same thing happened on Saturday at the seventh annual Beasts of the Southeast Classic.

The Panthers led the Alexander Spartans 13-10 early and were tied at 27 after three quarters. They outscored the Spartans 21-9 in the fourth quarter to pick up a 48-36 win.

Chesapeake (9-2) was led by Wesley Stephens who had 6 points, 13 rebounds and two blocked shots to earn Player of the Game honors.

Gage Rhoades had 11 points, Jake Stevens 9 points and Brad Meadows 8 points.

Alexander (8-4) got a game-high 17 points from Mason Chapman. Jake Weaver added 10 points.

After leading 13-10 to start the game, the Panthers’ lead shrunk to 20-19 at the half before the Spartans tied the game at 27.

A basket by Gage Rhoades put the Panthers up for good at 31-29 and a three-point play by Stephens opened up a 35-29 lead.

In the previous games, Portsmouth beat Eastern Brown 64-56, Trimble downed Minford 83-62 and Athens topped Coal Grove 66-41. The late game had Fairland playing Lucasville Valley.

Chesapeake hosts Coal Grove on Tuesday in an Ohio Valley Conference game.

Alexander 10 9 8 9 = 36

Chesapeake 13 7 7 21 = 48

ALEXANDER (8-4): Seth Richardson 6, Mason Chapman 17, Jake Weaver 10, Cory Chapman 3.

CHESAPEAKE (9-2): Austin Hutchison 2, Jake Stevens 9, Casey McComas 6, Kolton Webb 6, Gage Rhoades 11, Brad Meadows 8, Wesley Stephens 6.