Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

CHESAPEAKE — After a physically and mentally draining game on Friday, the tank appeared empty for the Chesapeake Panthers on Saturday.

But the Panthers managed to use their reserve tank as they remained unbeaten and got past the Hillsboro Indians 59-50 in the annual Beast of the Southeast basketball showcase.

Brad Meadows had 20 points and 13 rebounds while Gage Rhoades scored 19 points including 12 in the second half to lead the Panthers (10-0).

Nate Smith scored just five points but provided the spark the Panthers needed with four steals in the fourth quarter.

Zach Young scored a game-high 29 points for Hillsboro (5-6).

The Panthers were clutch at the foul line as they made 9 of 10 attempts. Hillsboro was 10 of 17 at the foul line.

Chesapeake led 16-12 at the end of the first quarter before Hillsboro rallied to tie the game 27-27 at the half.

Young scored 19 of Hillsboro’s 27 first-half points.

Rhoades had a pair of triples in the third quarter during an 8-2 run that helped the Panthers open up a 39-35 lead.

In the fourth quarter, Chesapeake built a 49-38 lead on a three-point play by Meadows with 4:38 to play, but Young and Alex Van Zant hit 3-pointers as Hillsboro ran off six unanswered points to trail 49-44.

The Panthers then went on a 10-6 run to end the game and clinch the win.

Hillsboro 12 15 8 15 = 50

Chesapeake 16 11 12 20 = 59

HILLSBORO (5-6): Trey Moberly 0 0 1-2 1, Zach Young 4 5 6-6 29, Alex Van Zant 2 1 0-0 7, Chase Reed 0 2 0-0 6, Latrell Haithcock 0 0 2-4 2, D.J. Brown 2 0 1-5 5. Totals: 8 8 10-17 50.

CHESAPEAKE (10-0): Casey McComas 0 1 0-0 3, Kolton Webb 0 2 0-0 6, Nate Smith 1 0 3-3 5, Gage Rhoades 3 3 4-4 19, Brad Meadows 9 0 2-3 20, Aaron Thompson 3 0 0-0 6. Totals: 16 6 9-10 59.