Charles City remains unbeaten at home, takes down region favorite Mathews

Charles City freshman Tayvion Harris (32) uncorks a long-distance shot over the outstretched arm of Mathews' Miles Maggioncalda.

Robb Johnson photo

Wednesday evening’s contest for Charles City’s Panthers was probably the most anticipated matchup for the hosts. A visiting Mathews Blue Devils team that has dominated both the Tidewater District and Region A entered into the Panthers’ gym, looking to complete a season sweep. However, a more defensive minded Panther team in the first quarter flipped a script.

Behind a hot shooting first quarter and stern defense, Charles City’s Panthers raced out to a 22-8 lead and held on to defeat Mathews 69-62, keeping their season undefeated on its home court.

Early on, Panther sharpshooter De’Rome Chretien found the bottom of the net on two wing three-pointers. And when it wasn’t Chretien dropping baskets, it was junior guard Kameron Johnson who sliced to the hoop for scores. Meanwhile, the Panthers’ man-to-man defense forced Mathews into several mistakes, allowing the host out to a comfortable 14-point lead after the first quarter.

But Mathews showed why they are one of the favorites in the region, orchestrating a 7-0 run to quickly slice the lead in half (22-15) in the beginning of the second. The Panthers recomposed themselves, with Leo Charity scoring on a bucket under the basket that was part of an 8-2 run.

Momentum for Charles City took a huge swing with freshman Tayvion Harris drained a three-pointer to return the margin to double figures (31-21). Another Johnson score for the half provided the hosts a 33-22 advantage at the break.

The Blue Devils found a little footing to kick off the second half, as Caleb Thomas and Christian Williams pumped in baskets as part of an 8-1 run to cut the hosts lead down to six (36-30).

But Panther momentum once again swung favorably as Chretien drained his fourth three-pointer of the night. And even when he missed, Harris cleaned up his baskets with a tip-in that played part of a 10-0 run to give the hosts their biggest lead of the night (46-30).

Mathews orchestrated another big run, scoring 12 of the game’s next 14 points to once again get within a half-dozen of Charles City. But trifecta number five from Chretien along with his defensive block gave the hosts a nine-point lead (51-42) heading into the fourth.

Little by little, the Blue Devils whittled down Charles City’s lead, getting it down to four points (66-62) with less than two minutes to play. After Panthers guard Justis Crawley sank one of two free throws, Charles City forced a turnover that saw Charity receive credit for a basket that was goaltended by Mathews’ Thomas. Charles City regained possession and dribbled the clock out to close out the contest on the winning side of the scoreboard.

After the contest, Charles City head coach Terrell Brooks spoke about his team gutting out the win, praising freshman Harris for his play.

“I pulled him up from JV a few games ago and I was waiting for the right time, and tonight was the right time for him to step up,” the coach said. “He made some big plays tonight.

“On the other hand, we played quality defense tonight in the first half,” Brooks continued. “But we have to get better in the second half and we have to get better at closing the game. We can’t allow teams to speed us up when we have to play at our own pace.”

Chretien’s six three-pointers powered him to a 20-point performance for Charles City, now posting a record of 10-4. Johnson and Harris also finished in double figures with 19 and 10, respectively, Charity tossed in nine, the trio of Crawley, Keondre Barnes, and Christian Stewart each dropped in three, and Justin Bradby chipped in with two.