The Scott County Indians, a Div.

Monday, January 17, 2000

The Scott County Indians, a Div. I team ranked second in the Kentucky state poll, pulled away in the final minute to get past the Chesapeake Panthers 80-72 Sunday in the 11th annual National Hoops Classic.

Chesapeake, a Div. III team ranked 8th in the Ohio AP poll, got within one point in the fourth quarter and trailed just 75-72 with 55 seconds left on a pair of foul shots by Bobby Barbour.

Nate Austin then sank one of two free throws, Hundley had a layup with 36 seconds left, and C. B. Brown sank two foul shots with 15 seconds to go and it was 80-72.

Despite the loss, Chesapeake coach Norm Persin was pleased with his team’s effort.

"We played about as well as we could. We played really, really hard," said Persin. "Our kids were really focused. We just hung in there and kept battling, and good things happen when you do that."

Anthony Delimpo had 19 points and seven rebounds for the Panthers (8-1) who had four players in double figures. Andy Clark scored 15 points while Barbour and Josh Waugh got 14 apiece.

Delimpo was named the Panthers Player of the Game.

"When you get Clark and Barbour hitting from the perimeter, it causes problems for other teams," said Persin.

Scott Hundley had a game-high 30 points and 12 rebounds to lead Scott County (11-3). Scott Alsop had 16 points, and Nate Austin got 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Hundley had 40 points Saturday night in a win over Mason County.

"Scott County is pretty tough and Hundley is a heck of a player," Persin said.

Panthers starting point guard Adam Pemberton injured his finger before the end of the half and did not play the second half. Justin Saunders filled in.

"Delimpo carried us the first half. He took it right to their big kid. The second half everyone else got involved," said Persin. "Saunders did a good job the second half. I don’t think he turned the ball over. And Waugh had a good game."

Chesapeake jumped to a 4-0 lead, but then Scott County went on a 13-0 run and led 21-11 at the end of the first quarter.

Scott County’s biggest lead was 33-21 on a jumper by Austin with 52 seconds to go in the half. The Panthers got within 33-24 at the half as Waugh sank one free throw and Barbour sank two foul shots with three seconds left.

Down 42-29 on a 3-pointer by Hundley at the 6:36 mark of the third quarter, Chesapeake began to make a charge.

Delimpo’s conventional 3-point play cut the deficit to 54-47 with 13 seconds on the clock.

Two free throws by Clark with 5:41 to play tie the game at 56-56. Two free throws by Hundley and one by Austin gave Scott County a 61-58 lead, but Waugh sank two more charity tosses and it was 61-60 with 4:12 left.

The score remained within one-to-three points until Austin and Hundley took over.

"Hopefully this will help us. This should give us confidence down the road," said Persin..