Southampton size, experience overwhelms Panthers in 64-37 romp

Panther guard Noah Ragland converts a lay-up despite being contested defensively by Southampton's Cedric Parham (14) and Daron Lundy.

Andre' Jones photo

With the top three scorers gone from last year’s team, Charles City Panthers’ first year head coach Cullen Jenkins commented it would take time for the new group to gel and find an identity. A Dec. 3 rematch against former Panther head coach Sharone Bailey and the Southampton Indians proved to be a tough task for the host Panthers.

Southampton’s size and experience played pivotal roles as the visiting Eagles pulled away to a 64-37 victory over the Panthers.

Charles City jumped out to a 2-0 lead from the tip, thanks to returning veteran guard Noah Ragland’s lay-up. That lead, however, would be the only one on the night for the hosts. After a pair of free throws, Indian guard Brendan Simms drained a three-pointer that was followed by Shane Aguzno’s steal and lay-in.

Ragland’s aggressiveness led to the first seven points for Charles City, as they closed the gap within three (10-7). But on the next Panther possession, Trenton Artis swiped Ragland and fed the ball to 6’7” wingman Darius Bell who jammed home a two-hand dunk. Despite the theatrics, the Panthers found themselves down 13-10 after one.

Southampton began to maximize on its size and dominate on the glass. With three starters 6’4” or taller, the visitors mounted a 10-2 run in the second quarter. Bell would display his all-around game, nailing a long jumper and finishing a lay-up to give the guests a comfortable 32-17 lead at the break.

Charles City chipped two points off the lead heading into the fourth quarter (41-28), when Brian Hicks paired a personal foul with a technical foul. Hunter Peck converted three of four free throws that ignited the guests to outscore Charles City 23-9 in the final quarter.

After the game, Jenkins commented about the improvements from the first contest to the rematch against Southampton.

“In the first game, we weren’t getting a lot of shots,” he said. “We did a lot better taking good shots.

“We have to improve on taking care of the ball,” Jenkins continued. “We have to treat each possession we have preciously.”

Ragland’s 14 points led Charles City (0-2) in defeat. Kyle Jones pumped in seven, Michael Grubbs added six, Jestin Harris and Thomas Kelly scored three, and Walter Gordon and Michael Callahan added two apiece.

Southampton (2-0) received double digit scoring from Aguzno (15), Bell (13), and Peck (12).