Johnson’s buzzer-beater completes Charles City comeback against Northampton

Charles City's Keondre Barnes (2) challenges Northampton's Braden Justice (24) in a rebound battle.

Robb Johnson photo

At halftime of Friday night’s game and trailing by 14 points, Charles City head coach Terrell Brooks pointed to a markerboard with a list of keys that would get the team back in the game.

“Effort, respect, trust, belief, unselfishness; it’s bigger than you and it makes a statement. Use your body language and win as one,” he told his team.

Message received.

Trailing by 17 points at one instance in the game, a night highlighted by Panther junior guard Kameron Johnson 1,000th point felt even better as his game-winning lay-up at the buzzer sealed the 75-74 comeback victory for the Panthers over the Northampton Yellow Jackets Friday night.

The visiting Yellow Jackets neutralized Charles City early on with their extended 2-3 zone. The pressure slowed down Johnson and perimeter threat De’Rome Chretien, keeping the Panthers from the scoring column. Meanwhile, Northampton was powered early on by KeShawn Robinson Taylor, as the lefty pumped in 10 first half points that provided the Yellow Jackets a 33-19 advantage at the break.

It wasn’t until late in the third quarter when Charles City’s offense started clicking. A tough lay-in by Johnson was followed up by his behind the back pass to Chretien, who drained a three-pointer from the wing to cut Northampton’s lead down to 12 (54-42).

The Panther run continued into the fourth frame. Two more Chretien threes combined with an up-and-under scoop by Johnson pulled the game to within four (54-50). Chretien’s third long-distance connection knotted the game at 57 apiece.

But the visitors regained their composure, looking to extinguish the Panthers as they countered with an 8-0 run to provide a gap with 2:46 remaining in the game (65-57).

Grit and determination from Charles City proved otherwise, as another Chretien three factored into the Panthers getting the lead down to five (69-64). Another basket by Johnson along with Leo Charity’s free throw cut the lead to two. That deficit was wiped out at the 1:06 mark with Johnson’s steal and lay-in, forcing Northampton to call a timeout.

A three-point attempt by Northampton’s Braden Justice bounced off the rim and was hauled in by Charity. With the ball being pushed down the floor, Charles City’s Rashad Williams corner three provided the hosts its first lead of the night (72-69).

That lead was short-lived, as Yellow Jacket Yonte Coston answered with a wing three-pointer to tie the game. On Charles City’s next trip down, Johnson was fouled, sinking one of two free throws with 16.1 seconds left to return the lead in favor of the hosts (73-72).

After a time-out, Northampton’s Ahmad Scarborough received the call, driving through Charles City’s pressure defense to drop the ball through the hoop with 5.6 seconds left. The visitors elected to call a time-out to set up the defense as Brooks dialogued to his team the final play.

Johnson drew a double-team on the inbound, but received a pick from Charity as Christian Stewart threw the ball in. Johnson weaved back into the center of the court and converted the final score over Justice as the buzzer went off to conclude the contest.

For Brooks, the win was crucial after a setback to Carver Academy.

“This game meant a lot for us as far as position in the region,” he said, pointing to how Northampton was the fourth seed entering into the game while Charles City was the fifth seed. “Every game matters from here on out and just like Tuesday night was, one game can make a big difference on how high you jump up or how far you fall down.”

After the game, Johnson was recognized for scoring his 1,000th point in his career. The junior guard sank the basket midway through the second quarter.

Johnson’s game high 31 led Charles City (12-5) in the victory. Chretien scored 21 points as the result of draining seven three-pointers. Charity and Justis Crawley added seven apiece, Williams pumped in five, and Keondre Barnes chipped in with two.