By JIM WALKER

Tribune Sports Editor

WHEELERSBURG — Now that’s the way to start a game.

The Chesapeake Panthers used an impressive first half to roll past the Wheelersburg Pirates 64-35 Thursday.

The Panthers built a 23-point halftime lead and coasted to their fifth win in as many games.

“We started out with good intensity. We played hard in the first half, we guarded well and we made some shots,” said Panthers’ coach Ryan Davis. “Our second half effort wasn’t that great, but it was a good night overall.”

Nathan Copley hit a pair of 3-pointers in the first quarter to get Chesapeake off to an 18-11 start.

Eric Kennedy came off the bench and drained five 3-pointers in the second quarter as Chesapeake opened up a 42-19 cushion at the break.

The Panthers hit 10 3-pointers for the game.

Kennedy finished with 17 points and Copley was next with 16 — 10 in the first half. Austin McMaster was the third Panther in double figures with 14 points.

Wheelersburg (5-2) did not have a player in double figures.

Chesapeake hosts South Point in a key Ohio Valley Conference game next Friday.

Chesapeake 18 24 11 11 = 64

Wheelersburg 11 8 14 6 = 35

CHESAPEAKE (5-0): Nick Duffield 0 1 0-0 3, Taylor Banaei 0 0 0-0 0, Nathan Copley 2 3 2-2 16, Patrick Hintz 1 1 0-0 5, Mickey Walters 0 0 0-0 0, Caleb Lindsey 1 0 0-0 2, Eric Kennedy 1 5 0-0 17, Brandon Noble 1 0 0-0 2, Javon Thompson 0 0 0-0 0, Austin McMaster 5 0 4-5 14, Seth Skeens 0 0 0-0 0, Colin Kennedy 1 0 4-4 6. Totals: 12 10 10-11 64. Fouls: 16. Fouled out: None.

WHEELERSBURG (5-2): Austin McBee 1 0 3-4 5, Brandon Schankweiler 2 1 0-0 7, Webb Ballard 0 1 1-2 4, Aaron Cowgill 1 0 0-0 2, Clay Massie 0 0 0-3 0, Shane Ward 1 0 0-2 2, Michael Harlow 0 0 0-0 0, Andy Stegman 3 0 0-0 6, Eddie Miller 1 0 0-0 2, Derek Moore 1 0 0-0 2, Andy Sloan 2 0 1-4 5. Totals: 12 2 5-15 35. Fouls: 9. Fouled out: None.