Charles City humbled by much more focused, unified Patrick Henry Patriots team
Patrick Henry’s Zachary Rawlyk (0) faces a tough double team defensive effort from Charles City’s Shane Jones (left) and Jonlei Coles (center).Robb Johnson photo
Charles City Panthers’ Head Coach De’Quantae Mason has preached to his team that sometimes they need to be humble when things don’t go their way. Saturday night’s contest against Patrick Henry was a key example of a lesson the Panthers needed to take to heart.
The visiting Patriots held Charles City scoreless in the third quarter as they cruised to a 74-22 victory over the Panthers.
From the onset, Charles City looked like they would hang with the visitors. Cosey Robinson’s post score along with Taylor Bey’s underhand lay-in provided the hosts an early 4-0 advantage. After a Patriot score, Bey utilized picks for a floater in the middle of the court for another Panther score and forced Patrick Henry to take an early timeout.
But when the teams broke from their respective huddles, it was all Patrick Henry. Patriot sharpshooter Ashton Cobb drained three consecutive trifectas to provide an 11-2 run that gave the visitors a 13-8 lead after the first quarter. Patrick Henry continued to force Charles City into tough shots, as the hosts mustered only five points in the second quarter as the Patriots led 37-18 at the halftime intermission.
Then the dismal third quarter came into play. Charles City missed 17 consecutive shots in the quarter, watching each basket as it caromed off the rim. Meanwhile, the visitors had no issues in the scoring column as they scored 23 points. It wouldn’t be until a free throw by Jonlei Coles at the 6:42 mark of the fourth quarter snapped the Panthers scoring drought. But by then, the game was all but decided as a running clock ended the contest.
After the game, Mason commented on the need for his team to not only remain humble, but hungry and dedicated to their work ethic.
“There are elements that we have to continue to work on,” he said after the game. “We are trying to get better and with us playing teams like this, we have to build on our chemistry, work on our defense, and box out better.
“It’s the basics we have to continue to work on,” Mason added. “That will continue to come as the season goes on.”
Charles City (2-2) was led by Coles’ nine points. Shane Jones tossed in seven, Bey finished with six, and Robinson chipped in with two.