Flat first quarter seals Charles City’s quest for win against King & Queen

By Robb Johnson | February 16, 2022 7:24 am

Charles City's Aiden Stewart (24) handles the ball as King & Queen's Devon Laton (13) gives chase on defense.

Robb Johnson photo

For three quarters, Charles City’s Panthers played on even terms with the visiting King & Queen Tigers during Tuesday night’s season finale. Unfortunately for the hosts, a flat opening frame proved to be the difference maker.

Being outscored 19-6 in the first quarter, Charles City fell to King & Queen 73-56, thus concluding the 2021-22 season and a winless campaign for the Panthers.
From the onset, Charles City fell behind by six, forcing head coach Codera Cotman to call a timeout. The ploy worked as Taequan Williams lay-in and subsequent floater brought the Panthers within three (7-4).

But from there, Charles City’s lackadaisical defense and ability to seal traps led to easy scores for the Tigers, amounting to a 12-2 run to close the quarter and provide the visitors a comfortable advantage.

Charles City begin to cut into the lead by utilizing the three-point line. A pair of trifectas from Mitchell Whitehead, and one each from Gavin Stewart and Randy Brown Jr. contributed to the hosts pulling within 10 (32-22) before halted the run with a free throw. A lay-up by Tigers’ guard Malik Holmes at the basket right before the buzzer provided the visitors a 13-point advantage at the break (35-22).

The second half saw both teams exchange scores, with the Panthers unable to get within 12 the rest of the way.

After the game, Cotman reflected on the season and the positives the Panthers took away from the season.

“This season was one of highs and lows, but they fought through it and they did it together,” Cotman commented. “We went from having to sit out for 42 days to playing four games a week.

“We came into this season a young team with very little experience and very little size,” the head coach added. “But to see where we were, our growth, and their commitment to get better is a testament of our future.”

Part of that future Cotman said was the hope that the players all return next year. With no seniors on the team, the Panthers have the possibility to be a stronger squad next year.

“I hope they stick together and I’m looking forward to see them put in some key work during the offseason,” Cotman concluded.

Williams 23 points led Charles City, who ends the season at 0-16. Whitehead also finished in double figures with 11 points. Aiden Stewart Brown both pumped in eight points apiece, Sherod Barnes chipped in with five, Gavin Stewart contributed three, and Tyshawn Dennis finished with two.