By Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

CHESAPEAKE — If the Chesapeake Lady Panthers had their way, teams would bypass the third quarter and go straight to the fourth quarter.

For the second time in a week, the third quarter was critical to Chesapeake’s success as the Lady Panthers lost Saturday to the Cabell Midland Lady Knights, 44-39.

“The third quarter killed us again. The same thing happened against Ironton on Monday,” said Chesapeake head coach Chris Ball.

The game started well for the Lady Panthers as they took a 13-7 lead with Kate Ball scoring 5 points and Erin Hicks scoring 4.

Faith Thompson hit a 3-pointer for Midland (9-10).

Chesapeake added to the lead in the second quarter and went ahead 21-14 at the half.

Hicks nailed a 3-pointer and scored 5 points and Chloe Parrott also hit a 3-pointer for the Lady Panthers.

Braylon McGuire hit a triple and Cami Smith scored 3 points.

But then came the third quarter meltdown as Chesapeake was outscored 19-6 as Midland went ahead 33-27.

Gracie Day got the hot hand as she knocked down three 3-pointers as she scored 13 points. McGuire added another triple and Sophie Kelly hit a free throw.

Clairynn Romans, Ciera Nichols and Ball had the Lady Panthers 3 baskets.

Chesapeake tried to rally in the fourth quarter only to fall short.

Ball drained a pair of 3-pointers while Hicks also made a 3-pointer and was 3 of 4 from the foul line for 6 points.

But Midland held on as Kelly scored 6 points as four different players scored.

Hicks scored 15 points and Ball scored 13 points for the Lady Panthers (11-11).

Day paced Midland with 16 points while Kelly scored 11.

Chesapeake will host West Union on Thursday in the Division 5 district tournament.

Midland  7 7 19 11 = 44

Chesapeake 13 8 6 12 = 39

CABELL MIDLAND (9-10): Faith Thompson 0 1 0-0 3, Sophie Kelly 5 0 1-2 11, Braylon McGuire 0 2 1-2 7, Gracie Day 2 3 3-3 16, Emma Smith 1 0 2-6 4, Audrey Adkins 0 0 0-0 0, Cami Smith 1 0 1-1 3, Delaney Burger 0 0 0-0 0. Totals: 9 6 8-14 44. Fouls: 12. Fouled out: None.

CHESAPEAKE (11-11): Sara Dillon 1 0 0-0 2, Erin Hicks 2 2 5-6 15, Chloe Parrot 1 0 0-0 2, Abbey Isaacs 1 0 0-0 2, Clairynn Romans 1 0 0-0 2, Kate Ball 3 2 1-3 13, Ciera Nichols 1 0 1-2 3, Abby Mitchell 0 0 0-0 0. Totals: 10 4 7-11 39. Fouls: 16. Fouled out: None.