Wash High too much for Charleroi

By JOE SABOLEK

MVI Sports

Charleroi’s first Section 4-3A matchup didn’t quite go as planned Friday following a three week layoff. 

The Cougars hosted preseason favorite and perennial power Washington and were handed a 68-45 defeat.

Charleroi struck first on a Gavin Theys 3-pointer. but it was the only lead of the night for the Cougars as the Prexies (1-0, 1-0) took over from that point, outrebounding and outmuscling the host Cougars. 

“I’m really disappointed with our effort on the boards,” said Charleroi head coach Bill Wiltz, who began his 25th season at the helm. “I know that we were giving up a lot of height, but that’s okay, as long as we’re boxing out. If we’re standing around watching the ball, I have a problem with that.”

It seemed like there was a lid on the basket for the Cougars in the first half as they only mustered five points in the first quarter and pulled into the half with 19. 

“I said at beginning of the season we’ll live and die by the three, and we died by the three today.” said Wiltz “We couldn’t have shot more than 15% and we don’t have the size to go inside with teams like Wash High. 

“We have to be able to knock down some shots. Hopefully we’ll get that straightened out, we’re not gonna stay cold forever.”

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