Stifling defense, Harris scoring lifts Panthers over Middlesex

Charles City's Gavin Cotman (5) strips the ball from Middlesex's Andre' Caldwell while receiving a defensive assist from Michael Callahan (13).

Andre' Jones photos

Charles City Panthers apparently learned something from watching Sunday Night’s Super Bowl– defense can win games.

Antonio Harris pumped in the first 10 points of the fourth quarter while the Panthers held the visiting Middlesex Chargers to just four in the final frame as the hosts claimed a 63-48 victory during Tuesday’s night Tidewater District match-up.

Through the first half, both teams alternated scores and leads, resulting in Charles City maintaining a 29-27 lead at the half. However, after intermission, Middlesex found more efficient scoring in the third frame.

After Harris’ free throws tied the game at 31 apiece, the guests received back-to-back threes from Jacob Self and Sean Johnson to widen the lead to six (37-31). Both teams continued to exchange scores, resulting in Middlesex maintaining a 44-38 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Harris would take command early in the final stanza. Two free throws followed by a three-pointer from the wing quickly cut the lead to one (44-43). That lead was wiped out as Harris converted a lay-in and three subsequent free throws to give Charles City a 48-44 lead.

After Self’s free throw for the guests ended a seven minute scoring drought at the 3:17 mark, Charles City’s man-to-man pressure intensified. Harris converted another close range shot while teammate Jestin Harris stole the ball and converted a lay-up of his own. Charles City finished the game on a 13-3 run and outscored Middlesex 25-4 in the final quarter to claim its first Tidewater District victory and snap a nine-game losing streak.

After the game, Panthers head coach Aaron Dodge commented about his change in defensive mentality.

“We are going to stay in man-to-man probably for the remainder of the year,” he said. “We tend to get lazy in the zone and playing man-to-man forces us to play every possession.”

Dodge also made remarks about the Panthers feeding off Antonio Harris’ offensive momentum.

“Antonio opens up the floor for us and tonight [assistant coaches] Leslie Miles and Irving Bradby had our other players moving and getting open,” continued the victorious head coach. “That fueled our defense and we were able to force turnovers and get wide open lay-ups.”

Antonio Harris’ 31 points lead the Panthers (3-12 overall, 1-5 Tidewater) in scoring. Craig McElroy also finished in double figures for the hosts with 10. Jestin Harris contributed eight, Noah Ragland added five, Gavin Cotman tossed in four, Thomas Kelly and Treyvon Cotman scored two apiece, and Michael Callahan chipped in with one.

Self’s 13 points led the Chargers (7-8, 4-2) in scoring.

Panther guard Treyvon Cotman shields off Charger defender Brett Carter for his only score for the night.