Late second quarter surge propels Surry past CC in final

Charles City’s Jovan Howard attempts to block the shot of Surry’s Robbie Elliott.

Andre' Jones photo

Déjà vu is the sensation of doing something that you’ve done before. For Charles City’s Panthers, it seems that feeling is all too familiar.

The second-seeded Panthers found themselves overwhelmed by a more energized and motivate top-seeded Surry Cougar team, as they fell 80-63 in the finals of the Tri-Rivers District Tournament on Feb. 16 at Surry.

The flow of the game became eerily similar to the teams’ previous meeting just three days earlier in the tiebreaker game for the district’s regular season crown. In both contests, the teams alternated leads throughout the first half. In the Feb. 13 encounter, Surry benefitted from an early third quarter momentum swing. Tonight, that swing came in the last 30 seconds of the second quarter.

The visiting Panthers held a 33-30 lead when the Cougars’ Keion Ellis connected on a free throw to cut the lead to two. That lead was brief as Timothy Marsh stole the ball and converted a lay-up and subsequent free throw to give the hosts a one point advantage. Two more steals and lay-ins handed the top seed a 38-33 lead at the half.

Charles City never recovered. Jaelan Cotman’s three narrowed the deficit (43-36), but that would be the closest the Panthers would get for the remainder of the contest.

Despite Antonio Harris’ attempt to carry the Panther scoring load with his 24 points, the Cougars placed four in double figures with Marsh’s 17 leading the way.

The Panthers also had difficulties staying on the floor. Gavin Cotman, who had been stepping up his scoring load, fouled out in the third quarter. Charles City’s big men also tallied up the foul chart resulting in 34 free throw attempts, 25 of which were made by the hosts.

Charles City head coach Sharone Bailey spoke afterward about the breakdown at the end of the second quarter.

“We had a brain lapse and that led to turnovers,” he said. “We have bigs that have shown inconsistency and that hurt us.”

Bailey discounted the notion that Surry benefitted from an additional day of rest. The Cougars advanced to the final by forfeit when Sussex arrived 45 minutes late for their semifinal contest.

“Tonight [the Cougars] were the better team, and give them all the credit where it’s due. They knocked down free throws and they executed,” he said.

Despite the loss, the Panthers are hosting a first round contest in the Region A, Division 1 tournament.

“We have to get ready and not have any more letdowns from this point on,” concluded Bailey.

Charles City (15-10) was led by Harris’ 24 points. Jaelan Cotman and Avery Jones scored nine apiece and Ryan Jones added eight. Gavin Cotman ended with seven while Jovan Howard tossed in three, Daron Jones added two, and Treyvon Cotman chipped in one.