By JIM WALKER

Tribune Sports Editor

 

CHESAPEAKE — After beating rival Fairland on Friday to clinch the Ohio Valley Conference title, the Chesapeake Panthers were facing an emotional letdown on Saturday against the Mingo Miners in the Tri-State Hoops Classic.

The Panthers started slow but finally came to life as they notched a 74-61 win Saturday night.

“We played hard, we just made some goofy mistakes. Our defense was okay. They’re a scary offensive team,” said Panthers’ coach Ryan Davis.

Patrick Hintz proved to be a scary figure for the Miners. Hintz had 21 points and six steals to lead the Panthers. Brandon Noble scored 19 points to go with eight rebounds while Austin McMaster added 15 points.

“He scored, he played defense and he got steals. He played well,” Davis said of Hintz.

The Panthers — who forced 17 turnovers — also converted 31of 40 free throw attempts as they improved to 16-1.

Austin Banks scored 17 points and Alex Lee 13 for Mingo (11-6).

Chesapeake led 14-13 at the end of the first quarter but picked up steam in the second quarter by taking a 3727 halftime lead. It was 57-40 after three quarters.

The Panthers host River Valley on Friday and Wellston on Saturday.

Mingo 13 14 13 21 = 61

Chesapeake 14 23 20 17 = 74

MINGO (11-6): Austin Banks 17, Troy Starr 9, Corey Cook 6, Nick Lee 7, Dave Hatfield 5, Alex Lee 13, Corey Daniels 2, Jason May 2.

CHESAPEAKE (16-1): Patrick Hintz 26, Brandon Noble 19, Javon Thompson 9, Austin McMaster 15, Chad Meadows 4, Taylor Banaei 1.