Senior scoring propels Charles City over Southampton

Charles City's Meryah Bates (left) wins a scramble to a loose ball and draws a foul on Southampton's Bryona Hunt.

Andre' Jones photo

Charles City Lady Panther head coach VaShaun Otey said he expected the visiting Southampton Lady Indians to make a run during the game. He also expected his team to step up to the occasion and respond. They did.

Powered by a combined 40 points from seniors Adrienne Miles, Hailey Holmes, and Taylor Bradby, the host Lady Panthers withstood two rallies en route to a 48-39 win in the Dec. 4 basketball home opener.

After ending the first quarter with the score tied at seven and remaining tied at 13 apiece at the four-minute mark in quarter two, the hosts took the game into their hands. Meryah Bates’ jumper and free throw sparked a 10-0 run for the Lady Panthers, pushing the lead to 23-13 with one minute remaining until halftime.

But that minute felt like an eternity for the hosts. As Otey elected to rest the starters, Southampton’s Jamaya Hunt converted back-to-back layups, adding a free throw along the way. Her five points sparked an 8-0 run, slicing Charles City’s lead to two (23-21) heading into intermission.

Electing for a change in defensive strategy, the visitors abandoned their player-to-player defense, opting for a 2-3 zone. The move limited Charles City to one shot attempt per trip down the floor, keeping the guests within striking distance at 28-23.

But the hosts became more aggressive in attacking the zone. Miles’ jumper was subsequently followed by Holmes’ lay-in and free throw for the conventional three-point play. After a Southampton free throw, Miles’ steal and close range bucket returned a nine-point lead to the Lady Panthers (33-24).

Southampton chipped away at the lead in the opening minutes of the final frame. Zakilya Holden’s free throws and a Hunt trifecta cut the lead to four (33-29). A Panther traveling violation prompted Bryona Hunt to find Holden on an easy lay-in to pull within two.

Both teams exchanged scores, with Southampton closing the gap to a mere point after Bryona Hunt’s inbound score (40-39). But that bucket would be the last of the night for the visitors.

Holmes’ drove the lane for an easy basket, and on the next trip down, found Bradby who converted an easy score. Holmes and Miles added layups to close the game on an 8-0 run in the final 1:35.

After the game, Otey said he expects his seniors to become leaders on the team.

“That’s what we’ve got to have from them right now,” the head coach said, referencing the scoring. “The seniors have to play at a higher level for us to be competitive.”

Otey also added comments on the Lady Panthers withstanding runs and adjusting to the visitors’ strategy.

“When they employed the zone, we had to spread the floor and that allowed us to take better high percentage shots,” he continued. “That allows this team to be productive and also allows younger players to get involved in the game on the offensive end.”

Miles and Holmes shared game high honors with 16 points apiece for Charles City (2-0). Bradby finished with eight for the victors, Bates scored seven, and Sydney Richard chipped in one. Miles also led the team in rebounds with 14.

Jamaya Hunt’s 13 topped the scoring column for Southampton (0-2).