Charles City Lady Panthers use first quarter outburst to control game against Northampton

By Robb Johnson | January 28, 2024 12:00 pm

Charles City’s Bryana Lewis (left) prepares to elevate for a lay-up over Northampton’s Virginia Brown (4).

Robb Johnson photo

Charles City’s Lady Panthers returned to the win column following a big first quarter opening run Friday night against the visiting Northampton Lady Yellow Jackets.

Charles City utilized a 13-1 run as they cruised to a 47-29 victory to improve to 7-10 on the season.

The hosts had very few issues dealing with the Yellow Jackets, fighting off every attempted run. The Lady Panther lead grew to 34-23 in the fourth quarter when guard Jaela Smith pumped in six consecutive points on lay-ups, increasing the gap to put the game out of reach.

After the game, Charles City Lady Panthers head coach spoke about fighting through adverse conditions during the week.

“Despite everything, they trust each other and play for each other,” he commented. “Regardless of what happened, they stuck together to get the win.”

Smith’s 24 points were a game high for the Lady Panthers. Nyla Brown pumped in eight, Bryana Lewis contributed seven, Teonna Bey tossed in four, and the duo of Madison Bradby and Sha’Ryan Paige chipped in with two points apiece.