Tough “D” Trojans Move to 10-0, Beat Robinson

Robinson- With three starters with double digit points, one would think that Charleston Girls Basketball coach Jeff Miller would be praising his offense. But instead it was the defense that received the pat on the back.

The Trojans defense forced 23 turnovers while allowing only 24 points as Charleston moved to 10-0 on the season as they beat Robinson 59-24 Monday night.

“We were all over them defensively,” Miller Said. “We didn’t let them breathe, and that’s what we like to do, keep the pressure on.”

Holly Wholtman scored 12 points and 9 rebounds in the game, but it was her defense that impressed her coach.

“Holly (Wholtman) did a fantastic job defensively tonight” Miller said. “Her job was face guard her (Morayo Akande), and keep the pressure on, and she did a great job.”

Ankande, only scored two points and grabbed two rebounds and fouled out of the game.

Stephanie Harper lead all scorers with 18 points, and she also grabbed 10 rebounds.

Charleston dominated the post, out-muscling the Maroons rebounding wise 34-20.  However, it was the turnovers that broke Robinson. The Maroons had 23 turnovers, compared to only 15 for Charleston.

Brittany O’Dell also added 14 points and 5 rebounds, while Haley Sparks added 8 points.

For Robinson, Kelsey Dirks was the only offensive threat as she accounted for half of Robinson’s total points with 12.

Charleston looks to continue the streak Thursday, as they return to Baker Gym to take on the Olney Tigers in a big Apollo Conference game.

Trojan Girls Basketball Looks to Build on Historic Season

After posting a 20 win season, and a second place at the Charleston Holiday Tournament, morale is definitely high as the Charleston Girls Basketball team begins their season at Mattoon.

One of those in Trojan nation that is excited is Head Coach Jeff Miller, who produced the second 20 win season, in only his second, says that he’s excited about some of the talent that returns to the Trojan bench this season.

“In my opinion, we have the best player in the conference in Stephanie Harper” said Miller. “She’ll probably be an all state candidate, and a tough player to stop.”

Harper returns to a Charleston team that saw four players graduate from last year’s squad. Harper, a threat in the post was an all conference selection in 2007.

Other players returning include Haley Sparks and Holly Wholtman at the guard position. Both saw minutes at the varsity level and at the JV level as well. “Haley is going to be our point guard this season,” Said Miller. “But if she gets in foul trouble Holly can slide over and play the one spot if we need her to.”

One of the obstacles that the Trojans will have to overcome, is the schedule. Taking on cross-county rival Mattoon in the first game of the season, will be no easy task. But the Robinson Holiday tournament presents new difficulties. Charleston plays at 9 a.m. on Saturday, and then again at 8 p.m. no easy task.

Back to back games against the first and third place finishers from 2007 Salem and Effingham, respectively, will be a tough early season test for the Trojans. But a goal for the season will certainly to bring home the hardware as the host of the tough Charleston Holiday Tournament.

Charleston beat Effingham in the semi-finals last season on the backs of Kayla Blagg and Stephanie Harper, both of whom were named to the all tournament team.

Back to back games again against those tough teams in the Wildcats and Hearts kick start 2009 for the Lady Trojans. But Charleston will finish with three consecutive in front of the home fan’s at Baker Gym.

Every summer, there is one player who makes giant steps to make a difference at the varsity level, according to coach Miller, that player is April Lunt. A sophomore, Lunt will see immedaite minutes as a varsity member. “She’s done a tremendous job for us” Miller said. “She’s grown like 4 inches since her freshman year. She’s a great rebounder and has a great midrange jumper.”

How does Miller think his team will shake out this season?

“We’re not going to be as deep as we were last season, we’ve got a different team, a different style. But I can guarantee that we’re going to come out and play hard.

The Lady Trojans kick off their season at Mattoon on Tuesday, before opening the home schedule against Altamont on the 20th.

Charleston Varsity Girls Basketball Schedule

The Charleston girls basketball teams look to build on last season in which they finished second in the Apollo Conference. The schedule for the Trojans starts off with a bang, going across the county to take on the Rival Mattoon Green Wave. In December, the schedule gets tough with back to back games against last season’s conference champion Salem, and third place finisher Effingham. Charleston made history last season by finishing second in the Charleston Holiday Tournament, which is quickly gaining a reputation for being one of the most talent-laden tournaments in the state. Once again In January, Salem and Effingham come calling on back to back weeks. And the Trojans will finish out their season against another Big 12 opponent, Decatur Eisenhower

Date Opponent Location Time

11/18/2008 Mattoon Away 7:45

11/18/2008 Altamont Home 7:45

11/22/2008 Robinson Thanksgiving Tournament TBA

11/28/2008 Robinson Thanksgiving Tournament TBA

11/29/2008 Robinson Thanksgiving Tournament TBA

12/1/2008 Mt. Zion Away 7:45

12/4/2008 Paris Home 7:45

12/8/2008 Robinson Away 7:45

12/11/2008 Olney (East Richland) Home 7:45

12/15/2008 Effingham Home 7:45

12/18/2008 Salem Away 7:45

12/22/2008 Newton Away 7:45

12/27/2008 Charleston Holiday Tournament TBA

12/28/2008 Charleston Holiday Tournament TBA

12/29/2008 Charleston Holiday Tournament TBA

1/8/2009 Mt. Zion Home 7:45

1/12/2009 Robinson Home 7:45

1/15/2009 Paris Away 7:45

1/20/2009 Mahomet-Seymour Home 7:45

1/26/2009 Olney (East Richland) Away 7:45

1/29/2009 Effingham Away 7:45

2/2/2009 Salem Home 7:45

2/5/2009 Newton Home 7:45

2/9/2009 Decatur Eisenhower Home 7:45