Charles City can’t hold onto lead, drops fifth straight hoops contest

By Robb Johnson | December 16, 2024 11:55 pm

Charles City’s James Harris IV (30) powers his way to an easy lay-up around Cumberland’s Aydin Brodie.

Robb Johnson photo

Charles City’s Panthers continue to look for answers to their early season struggles on the court. And Head Coach De’Quantae Mason hopes it starts when his team back at full strength.

But that day is still yet to arrive, as Charles City squandered a first half lead, falling 47-39 to the visiting Cumberland Dukes as part of Dec. 13 hoops action.
Charles City welcomed back 6’5” center Joseph Simms to the lineup. His presence back on the court immediately paid dividends for others, as teammate Gavin Stewart drained three trifectas in the first quarter, giving the hosts a lead over a team that dominated them in the meeting earlier in the season. The second quarter saw Charles City slow the pace down, but still resulted in the Panthers holding an 18-15 lead at the break.

But in the second half, Charles City struggled to find an answer for Cumberland’s Aydin Brodie. Brodie scored 13 of his game-high 17 points in the second half, with his effort leading the visiting Dukes to a six-point lead (33-27) to begin the final frame.

Charles City’s Shane Jones scored a close-range shot to begin the fourth quarter, but Brodie answered with a three-pointer, increasing the guests lead to seven (36-27). A pair of Stewart three-pointers got Charles City within four, but free throws down the stretch allowed Cumberland to sweep the season series.

After the contest, Mason spoke about looking for his team to take better care of the ball.

“We have to improve our guard play,” he commented. “We can’t turn the ball over.

“I tell my guards to be aware of the game and make sure everyone is aware,” Mason continued. ‘We have to slow things down and overcome our mental mistakes. When we fix that, we will come out with some more wins.”

Charles City (1-5) received a game-high 15 points from Stewart. James Harris IV finished with eight, Jones tossed in seven, Simms pumped in six, and Terrell Crawley chipped in with three.