Middlesex blitzes Charles City, cruises to Tidewater District victory

Charles City's Taequan Williams (2) looks for a scoop and score under the outstretched hands of Middlesex defender Malachi Dandy.

Robb Johnson photo

Charles City’s Panthers have faced setbacks for most of the season. From precautionary quarantines to winter weather postponements, Charles City’s team full of underclassmen had yet to find time to gel. Monday’s Tidewater District contest against the Middlesex Chargers was an example of what a more experienced team could do when they are continuously on the court.

The visiting Chargers used their size and an overwhelming press to blitz past Charles City 87-22 in a matchup to keep the Panthers winless.

After Middlesex’s big man Malachi Dandy scored the opening two baskets, Charles City’s Mitchell Whitehead banked a three-pointer to cut the lead to one (4-3). But from there, the visitors put the next 26 points on the board, mainly from Charles City turnovers from pressure.

Charles City was able to find a little offense in the second stanza, as Taequan Williams was able to put in 10 of the team’s 13 points. But the Panthers’ defense could not counter the quick scores from Middlesex, who poured in 35 points to take a 65-16 halftime lead. From there, a running clock came into play, with the Panthers only mustering six points in the second half to conclude the contest.

After the contest, first year Panthers Head Coach Codera Cotman said that he was hoping to get more from the team’s performance.

“I don’t blame the kids for anything as that all falls on me,” he said. “I either neglected to do something or it’s something that I did not have enough time to teach.

“I have to get better as a coach,” he continued. “I need to find something to get this team to show up and play.”

Williams 10 points led Charles City (0-6) in scoring. Whitehead pumped in six, Gavin Stewart tossed in four, and Randy Brown Jr. chipped in with two.