By JIM WALKER

Tribune Sports Editor

 

WILLOW WOOD — There wasn’t any need for the emergency room, but the Chesapeake Lady Panthers did undergo a quick check-up.

After starting the season 3-3, Chesapeake coach Chris Ball had a heart-to-heart discussion with his team.

“We weren’t happy with our start. We decided to start a new season and take a new focus and we have the last two games,” said Ball.

The new focus was more than evident on Thursday as the Lady Panthers beat the Symmes Valley Lady Vikings 72-31.

Amanda Ruffner had 27 points, 8 rebounds and 5 blocked shots to lead Chesapeake (5-3). Jordan Porter had 12 points and 10 rebounds while Sarah Rice had 5 steals and Maggie Smith 5 assists.

“Ruffner always does what she does and Porter is a nice complement to her,” said Ball. “But the other girls are doing things I haven’t seen. Sarah Rice played tremendous defense. She’s showing a lot of enthusiasm.”

Kalli Hunt had 11 points for the Lady Vikings (4-4).

Ruffner scored 13 points and Smith 6 as Chesapeake led 23-0 after the first quarter. The lead was 27-0 before the Lady Vikings scored. Sydnee Hall had 7 points and Porter 6 in the second quarter and it was 42-8 at the half.

Ruffner and Porter combined for 14 points in the third quarter to make it 62-14.

Chesapeake visits St. Joseph on Monday.

Chesapeake 23 19 20 10 = 72

Symmes Valley 0 8 6 17 = 31

CHESAPEAKE (5-3): Chelsea Ridenour 0 0 0-0 0, Casey Underwood 0 0 0-0 0, Amanda Ruffner 11 0 5-6 27, Jackie Nelson 2 0 0-0 4, Sarah Rice 3 0 0-2 6, Taylor Martin 2 0 0-0 4, Sydnee Hall 3 0 3-4 9, Maggie Smith 3 0 0-0 6, Ashlee Miller 1 0 0-0 2, Mackenzie Moore 1 0 0-0 2, Jordan Porter 5 0 2-3 12. Totals: 31 0 10-15 72. Fouls: 18. Fouled out: None.

SYMMES VALLEY (4-4): Malenna Davis 0 0 0-0 0, Autumn Keathley 1 0 0-0 2, Gracie Woodall 30 3-8 9, Kalli Hunt 5 0 1-4 11, Hannah Maynard 1 0 0-0 2, Lindsey Kouns 0 0 1-2 1, Taylor Michael 2 0 0-0 4, Emmy Fulks 1 0 0-0 2, Elly Fulks 0 0 0-0 0. Totals: 13 0 5-14 31. Fouls: 14. Fouled out: None.