Boys’ Basketball: Charles City 83, King & Queen 44

A 10-0 run to start the game paired with 24 forced turnovers helped the host Charles City Panthers (2-2) defeat the invading King & Queen Tigers (0-3) 83-44 in a non-district basketball contest on Dec. 6.

The hosts ramped up pressure from the onset, jumping to a 23-7 lead after the opening period of play. The Tigers rallied in the second quarter to cut the lead to 10, but the Panthers responded by converting turnovers to easy baskets to take a 40-21 lead at the break.

The Panthers continued to mount an offensive attack after halftime, going on a 17-0 run while shooting 53 percent from the field. The largest lead of the game reached 43 points with just under four minutes remaining in the final frame.

After the game, Charles City head coach Sharone Bailey said working on team chemistry and defense were key points in the game.

“We tried to do a lot of substituting in the first half,” he said. “We are trying to build our team up, and we told the players that we can’t keep fouling and have to play defense.”

The Panthers were also an intimidating force on the glass, snagging 64 rebounds.

“I believe I have the best 15 players in the state, and we have to learn how to become a team,” Bailey continued. “Tonight, we wanted to send a message that Charles City is for real and this is how we play basketball.”

Thirteen players scored for the hosts led by Antonio Harris’ 21 points. Jaelan Cotman also reached double figures with 11. JeQuan Carroll scored seven while Gavin Cotman, Avery Jones, Ryan Jones, and Jovan Howard contributed six apiece. Jaelen Williams, Demaj Frazier, and Thomas Kelly each added four while Daron Jones, Khairi Wyatt, and Treyvon Cotman scored two apiece.