Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

CHESAPEAKE — Forget the feet. Just get a toehold.

The Chesapeake Lady Panthers stepped cautiously as they got past the West Carter Lady Comets 45-38 in their season opener on Monday.

“We played hard. Everyone who played for us played hard and I’m proud of that,” said Lady Panthers’ coach Chris Ball.

“But the execution wasn’t there. Hopefully, we find that soon. We got our feet wet, but we’ve got some work to do.”

Sydnee Hall had 18 points including 13 of 17 from the foul line and grabbed eight rebounds to lead the Lady Panthers.

Kaylee Curry added 15 points, six rebounds and two blocked shots. Natalie Hall handed out five assists.

Chesapeake took a 9-6 first quarter lead despite two 3-pointers by the Comets’ Stacey Easterling.

Curry had five points in the second quarter as the Lady Panthers stayed in front 18-15 at the break.

Kelsey Huff scored four points in the third quarter as each team scored eight points and it was 26-23.

Chesapeake outscored West Carter 19-15 in the fourth quarter as Sydnee Hall made 10 of 12 free throws and Curry added six points.

“Sydnee is a senior and she stepped up when we needed it. We’ll need that in the future as well,” said Ball.

Lyla Evans and Lexie Berry scored four points each in the fourth quarter for West Carter.

The Lady Panthers host South Point in an Ohio Valley Conference game on Thursday.

West Carter 6 9 8 15 = 38

Chesapeake 9 9 8 19 = 45

WEST CARTER (0-1): Brooke Adkins 1 0 0-2 2, Lexi Berry 2 0 4-8 8, Stacey Easterling 1 2 1-2 9, Lyla Evans 2 0 3-4 7, Bonita Easterling 1 0 2-4 4, Hannah Bear 0 0 2-2 2, Madison Hanshaw 1 0 2-4 4, Becca Nolen 1 0 0-0 2. Totals: 9 2 14-25 38. Fouls: 23. Fouled out: B. Easterling.

CHESAPEAKE (1-0): Kelsey Curry 1 0 0-0 2, Atiya Spaulding 0 0 0-0 0, Kelsey Huff 2 1 0-0 7, Kaylee Curry 4 0 7-10 15, Brooke Webb 0 0 0-0 0, Jozy Jones 0 0 0-0 0, Sydnee Hall 1 1 13-17 18, Natalie Hall 1 0 1-6 3. Totals: 9 2 21-33 48. Fouls: 21. Fouled out: None.