“We go as he goes.”

Those were the words used by Panther Valley basketball coach Pat Crampsie to describe the effect Chase Weaver has upon his team’s fortunes.

In a game against Pottsville on Jan. 30, Weaver scored his 1,000th-career point. which came on a free throw that completed a three-point play.

Weaver - a four-year starter who currently has 1,046 career points - joins six others who have reached the coveted milestone in Panther Valley boys basketball history.

‘That’s an incredible achievement,” said Crampsie, “especially because Chase has mainly sacrificed himself for the good of the team during his career. He’s been our primary ball handler for the past three years, running our offense and setting up his teammates for their shots at the basket.”

“For most of my career, you could probably say I was more of a facilitator,” said Weaver. “Once we got Conner Penberth to play the point (earlier this season), I was able to concentrate on shooting and scoring more.”

It was fitting that Weaver scored his 1,000th point on a foul shot because the free-throw line has been a spot he has enjoyed outstanding success, converting 81% for his career. At one point as a sophomore, he made 29 consecutive free throws.

According to Crampsie, Weaver brings a unique skill set to the hardwood.

“He’s very quick with the ball, and can finish with both hands,” said Crampsie. “He can score with a floater in the lane or a mid-range jumper, and if he’s left in space, he can knock down the three-pointer.”

“My favorite shot is the floater in the lane,” said the PV senior, “When I dribble into the paint, I have to be under control because my shot needs to be soft and high enough to lift it over the big guys who step up to defend me.”

Weaver’s ability to drive the lane - combined his proficiency from the foul line - have produced a bulk of his career points.

“Once I get the defender into the air, I can lower my shoulder and make contact,” Weaver explained. “I draw a lot of fouls that way.”

Crampsie said Weaver - who is averaging 14.09 points a game this season - does so much more than just score points.

“He probably averages six steals a game, which often turn into breakaway layups,” said Crampsie. “He’s also our assist leader, and rebounds exceptionally well.

He has come close to having a triple double for us some nights despite being a guard and not being extremely tall.”

Weaver’s 1,000-point achievement for Panther Valley came just weeks after classmate Stephen Hood accomplished the same feat.

“From the time we played together on our undefeated seventh- and eighth-grade team, Stephen and I made it a goal to both reach 1,000 points,” Weaver said. “Coming into this season, I knew what I needed to get to 1,000, and now that I have done it, the monkey is off my back and I can concentrate on helping us to win games in the district playoffs.”

If Panther Valley is able to make a strong postseason run, it will almost surely be because Weaver is making game-changing plays on offense and defense.

“We rely on Chase to do so many things for us,” Crampsie. “In addition to all his skills, his toughness and his ability to kick our team into high gear are crucial to our success.”