Charleston girls’ basketball split the regular season series against Mattoon, losing 32-26 Thursday evening at Mattoon High School. 

The first quarter was dominated by defense from both teams with the Greenwave (7-24, 2-7) only able to score six points and the Trojans’ (5-23, 1-9) only points coming off a three-pointer from sophomore guard Sadie Phillips.  

Three-pointers were what drove the Charleston offensive production in the first half with 12 of its 16 points coming beyond the three-point line. Two came from Phillips, and the other two came from junior guard Samantha Fehrenbacher. 

Trojan head coach Alex Koebele was unable to be at the game, with assistant Ben Tressler standing in as head coach, who spoke highly of the team’s three-point shooting. 

“When they get themselves set and they take good shots, they knock them down,” Tressler said. 

Charleston held a 16-14-point lead heading into halftime. In the second half, Mattoon came out of the locker room and went on a hot streak. The Greenwave scored 12 unanswered points to go up 26-14.  

“I thought we came out really good in the third quarter and made some baskets and got a little lead that helped a lot,” Mattoon head coach Troy Haacke said. 

Charleston’s first points in the third quarter didn’t come until there was 2:25 remaining with a three-pointer from Fehrenbacher.  

In the fourth quarter, Charleston was able to limit Mattoon to only six points and shut the Greenwave out for the last 5:56 of the game. The Trojan’s comeback wasn’t enough, and Mattoon was able to hold on to win. 

“I thought the girls played extremely well,” Haake said. “They hustled extremely well.”   

Phillips was proud of the team 

“I feel that my team played their hearts out tonight,” Phillips said. “We wanted to get that second one against them. But I’m glad that they got that one on their senior night.” 

Tressler expressed frustration after the game but was still proud of the team. 

“It’s frustrating, being right there in the game, having a lead early on and then just not being able to execute, but super proud of the girls.” Tressler said. “We’re going to bounce back Saturday and hopefully take the regional game.” 

It was senior night for Mattoon with them honoring three senior guards before the game: Lexi Otto, Regan Duncan and Taylee Haacke.  

The third matchup between Charleston and Mattoon takes place in Baker Gym at Charleston High School on Saturday in the regional quarterfinals of the Class 3A Illinois High School Association playoffs. 

 The winner will take on Civic Memorial High School at Richland County High School on Tuesday. 

“It’s going to be another battle Saturday at their place,” Haacke said. 

Phillips stated that the key to the next matchup is readiness.  

“We’ll just have to practice tomorrow and start knocking down shots Saturday,” Phillips said. “Our biggest thing is ball handling too we need people to step up with confidence and handle the ball.” 

Saturday’s elimination game is set for a 1 p.m. tipoff.  

“We’re going to take it at them,” Tressler said. “We didn’t quite execute tonight, but we’re going to be ready to go.”