Multiple runs instrumental in King William’s win over Charles City

By Robb Johnson | February 6, 2022 10:07 am

Charles City’s Mitchell Whitehead (center) cradles the ball as he splits the double team of King William’s Trenton Johnson (3) and Grayson Tupponce (0).

Robb Johnson photo

Charles City’s Panthers have continued to fight in every game on the hardwood this year despite their numerous disadvantages. In Friday night’s contest against the visiting King William Cavaliers, the size and athleticism of the visitors proved too much for the hosts to handle.

With a line-up that boasted three players at least 6’3” or taller and speed at the guard position, King William jumped out on early and coasted to a 77-31 victory over Charles City.

The visitors used a modified man-to-man press against the Panthers, trapping them and forcing turnovers to jump out to a 10-0 run. After a timeout, Charles City’s Aiden Stewart hit a mid-range jumper to temporarily halt the run, but the Cavaliers would score the next 10 points before Charles City’s Taequan Williams three-pointer closed out the quarter.

But at the beginning of the second quarter, a back door alley-oop to guard Kavantay Hayes launched a massive 28-4 run for the guests, allowing the Cavaliers a comfortable 48-9 lead at the halftime break. From there, Charles City played on ever terms with King William to close out the game.

Panthers Head Coach Codera Cotman spoke about the improvement of his team and said they need to do the small things in order for their fortunes to change.

“We are getting better on offense, passing the ball and taking necessary shots,” he commented. “We are trusting each other on the floor more when it comes to passing. Right now, we have to trust each other on the defensive end and do our jobs.”

Williams 20 points led Charles City, who remains winless with a record of 0-11. Gavin Stewart tossed in three points, while the quartet of Aiden Stewart, Messiyah Greene, Mitchell Whitehead, and Randy Brown Jr. all chipped in with two points apiece.

King William’s Hayes led all scorers in the contest with 30 points.