ATHENS – Defend the perimeter.

Friday, March 09, 2001

ATHENS – Defend the perimeter. The Chesapeake Panthers first line of business in Friday’s Division III district championship game will be defense.

Chesapeake (22-1) must keep pressure on the Waverly Tigers long-range shooters in the 6:15 p.m. game at the Ohio University Convocation Center.

"They like to shoot the 3s," Chesapeake coach Norm Persin said. "But the thing we noticed is their defense. They play pretty good defense."

Waverly, a decisive underdog, is led by 6-foot-1 senior guard Cory Coughlan who averages nearly 16 points a game.

Coughlan, 5-11 junior Ben Martin, and 6-1 junior Jay Gullion provide most of the 3-point shooting. Derek Thomas, a 6-1 senior, and Creed Miller, a 6-2 sophomore, round out the starting lineup.

Miller was not in the lineup for most of the season, but has been impressive at the end of the season and during the Waverly tournament run.

The Tigers upset Zane trace 57-56 in overtime in the first game of the district tournament.

Chesapeake offers a balanced offense. Anthony Delimpo, a 6-6 senior, averages 17 points and 8.5 rebounds, 5-9 senior guard Bobby Barbour is a long-range shooting threat who scores 14.5 points a game, and 6-2 senior Josh Waugh is a defensive specialist who also averages 10 points and 6.0 rebounds a game.

Zeb Best, a 6-3 senior, and 6-foot senior Beckett Gue, round out the starting lineup.

But the Panthers may hold the key with their depth. Chesapeake looks to Matt Miller, Adam Webb, and Aaron Gossett. However, Gossett suffered a broken nose in the win over Unioto.