CHS picks up big win

Friday’s match up between unbeaten Fluvanna County and defending Region II champion Charlottesville was supposed to be a showdown between two of the best forwards in the Jefferson District — the Black Knights’ Shalita Brown and the Flucos’ K-anna Loyd.
Instead it was Shawntae Payne who stole the show as she scored more than half of her team’s points in a 49-41 road victory.
“She was the main difference,” said Charlottesville coach Harry Terrell. “She took control of the offense, took care of the ball, and basically fed our players for easy shots.”
The senior guard finished the night with a game high 25 points.
The battle between Brown and Loyd ended prematurely when the Charlottesville forward hurt her ankle early in the game.
Loyd still kept up her end of the bargain with 21 points. However, two of Fluvanna’s other big threats, Ariel Stewart and Mia Loyd combined for just two points.
Taking down the unde-feated Flucos (10-1, 1-1 JD) in their own building has the Black Knights (4-3, 2-0) feeling good about their 2-0 start in the Jefferson District.
“We always say if you can steal the ones on the road and win at home you’re in good standing,” Terrell said.  “It was important to make a statement here tonight. This was a big confidence builder and it put the players in a better mood, and it certainly puts the coach in a better mood.  But that’s just two games down with 10 more to go.”
Charlottesville will have their work cut out for them if Brown’s ankle injury turns out to more than just a sprain.  The Black Knights play both Orange and Louisa County in the up coming week, and teams will be sure to focus on Payne.
“It’s going to be important to fill that void,” Terrell said. “If Shalita is not able to play, teams are going to really concentrate on Shawntae. If that’s the case her teammates will have to step up. If they can it’ll be ok. If not, it’s going to be really difficult for the rest season.”