Patrick Henry uses athleticism to outpace Charles City on hardwood

By Robb Johnson | January 25, 2023 8:44 am

Charles City’s Taequan Williams (2) analyzes the floor as he is guarded by Patrick Henry’s Dylan Lynch (15).

Robb Johnson photo

Three years ago, Charles City’s Panthers traveled to Patrick Henry in Ashland to take on a Patriots team in a competitive contest. During a return trip on Jan. 23, the Patriots made sure their athleticism and ability to get to the basket would be something that Charles City couldn’t handle.

Behind a strong second quarter and a late fourth quarter run, Patrick Henry defeated Charles City 80-60 in the non-district affair.

After Charles City’s Jonlei Coles corner three-pointer provided the Panthers what would turn out to be their only lead of the night, the Patriots would rattle off 12 of the next 14 points in the contest. Bryan Lewis Jr. scored the next five points for the Panthers, but Patrick Henry’s Zack Rawlyk three-pointer found the bottom of the net at the end of the opening quarter to provide the Patriots a 20-11 lead.

In the second quarter, it was Patrick Henry’s Jeremiah Grant who provided the scoring for the visitors. After going scoreless in the first frame, he would have nine in the second quarter, including a huge put back dunk over Panther defenders that sparked the visitors’ run and gave them a 39-26 halftime advantage.

Patrick Henry continued to extend their lead in the second half, with Grant adding additional points as the lead swelled to 15 in the points. After Charles City was able to cut the lead down to 10, another dunk by Grant would put the exclamation point as Patrick Henry outscored the hosts 23-13 in the final frame to end the contest.

After the game, Charles City Head Coach De’Quantae Mason applauded his team’s effort, despite the mismatch from a Class 4A squad.

“We came out strong and we played as a team,” the coach said. “I think we just got outmatched with length and not boxing out.

“I am still proud of my guys and they were the better team,” Mason added. “But to see my team play like this, I feel we could beat anyone in our district.”

Lewis’ 23 points led Charles City (7-10) in the scoring department. Taequan Williams pumped in 16, and Coles also finished in double figures with 10. Tyshawn Dennis and Messiyah Greene contributed three apiece, Randy Brown tossed in two, and Sherod Barnes chipped in with one.