Surry denies Charles City’s regular season title bid

Surry’s Dontrae Lyttle is met by Charles City’s Jaelen Williams (12) and Ryan Jones on a drive to the basket.

Andre' Jones photo

Trailing by one at the half, Charles City’s Panthers had their first regular season Tri-Rivers District basketball title in 11 years within reach. Unfortunately, the first few minutes of the third quarter became a repeat of their last performance on Surry’s floor.

The visiting Panthers turned the ball over seven times and missed three jump shots during their first 10 trips down the floor, resulting in a Surry run that propelled the host Cougars to an 89-75 victory in the Tri-Rivers tiebreaker game on Feb. 13.

With Surry up 39-38 to start the second half, the Cougars’ Devion Smith converted on a lay-up and teammate Derrick Bailey nailed a three-pointer after an errant pass from Charles City’s Avery Jones. The run continued as Keion Ellis converted on back-to-back shots, forcing Charles City to take time out at the 4:35 mark of the third quarter.

Jones’ conventional three-point play ended a 9-0 Surry run, but a trap at half court allowed Ellis to strip the ball and throw down a one-handed jam to give the hosts their first double digit lead at 54-43.

The 11-point margin carried over into the fourth quarter when the Panthers made a move. Jaelan Cotman connected on his fourth trifecta on the night and teammate Antonio Harris’ lay-up and free throw conversion trimmed the lead to six [63-57] at the 7:30 mark.

But Surry answered as Dontrae Lyttle connected on a turn-around jumper to return the lead to double figures. The Cougars converted free throws down the stretch, ending Panther hopes of claiming the regular season title.

Afterward, Charles City head coach Sharone Bailey spoke about his disappointment over the opening minutes of the third quarter.

“We came out flat, just like we did the last time we came over here,” he said. “We had the title on the line and we’ve got to want it.

“We had a lot of dumb turnovers,” he continued. “We had three backcourt violations, passing the ball in the wrong places. We started panicking after that and then our shot selection was bad.”

Hurting the guests was a lack of defense. Surry was able to place four players in double figures led by Bailey’s 21 points.

“They knocked down critical shots and drove the baseline on us all night,” added Bailey.

Charles City (14-9) was led by Harris’ 27 points. Cotman and Avery Jones also finished in double figures with 16 and 15, respectively. Ryan Jones added six, Daron Jones five, Jovan Howard four, and Gavin Cotman chipped in with two.