Struggles continue as Lady Panthers drop contest at West Point

Charles City's Alexis Betts (12) challenges the jump shot by West Point's Savannah Staples.

Andre' Jones photo

In December, Lady Panther head coach VaShaun Otey commented that he expects his team to improve throughout the season. However, the promise expected from the Charles City coach has yet to flourish, with Friday night’s visit to West Point being the latest setback.

The host Pointers jumped out to a double-digit lead in the first quarter and went unchallenged for the remainder of the contest as they toppled the visiting Lady Panthers 61-22 in the Tidewater District clash.

The visitors gained an early advantage in the contest, as Jaelah Wyatt knocked down a jumper on the first shot. However, a well-balanced offensive attack by West Point counter, reeling off nine consecutive points. Veondra Brown kept Charles City within striking distance with four first-quarter points, but a lay-up and free throw conversion by Lady Pointer Shannon Hayden resulted in a double-digit lead for the hosts, who ended the first quarter with a 20-7 lead.

Matters didn’t fair better in the second quarter. Charles City turned the ball over 11 times and only converted one mere field goal in the frame. Meanwhile, West Point doubled their point total and took a 40-14 lead into the halftime. A 12-0 run out the break for the host pushed the deficit over 30 points before the running clock set in and ended the game with a win for the West Point.

After the contest, Otey said that the game is no longer coming down to what’s written on the playboard and worked at during on-court practices.

“I really don’t have too much to say. Right now, we’re really immature and I’m searching for leadership,” said the disappointed head coach. “We have talent on this team but we have to show up and play ball.”

Hickman’s 15 points led all scorers in the game. Brown contributed five and Wyatt tossed in two to round up the scoring for the Lady Panthers, who fall to 3-7.

West Point placed nine players in the scoring column, led by Hayley Haggerty’s 13 points.