Charleston Smashes St. Anthony, Mattoon Edges Breese Central at St. A. Tourney

What began as an exciting seesaw affair turned into a lopsided game as Charleston smashed the St. Anthony Bulldogs 92-54 in first night action at the St. Anthony Thanksgiving Tournament.  The game at the Enlow Center was heard on 979XFM and www.979xfm.com. 

In the other contest Monday, Mattoon edged defending Class 2A state champion Breese Central 41-40.

It was the season opener for each of the four teams.

The Bulldogs and the Trojans matched each other point-for-point in an exciting first quarter with Charleston holding a 20-19 advantage at the end of the period.  A bundle of turnovers followed, though, as Charleston pulled away, outscoring the Bulldogs 72-35 over the final three quarters.

Charleston had four players score in double figures in Jim Wood's debut as Trojans varsity coach after several seasons as an assistant at the school.  Zach Steidl led all scorers with 25 points, Truston Winnett scored 20 points, Ethan Miller scored 19 points and Noah Miller added 11 points.

John Goeckner led the way for St. Anthony with 21 points and 14 rebounds, with 19 of those points and 10 of the rebounds coming before intermission.  Jacob Schuette added 18 points.  Alex Hoelscher and Andrew Gardewine each scored six points, Zach Gardewine scored two points and Neil Williams had one point.

St. Anthony made 24 of 58 shots for 41%, hit on six of 13 foul shots, committed a whopping 24 turnovers and grabbed 36 rebounds while missing all nine of their three-point tries.  Charleston hit 50% from the field on 33 of 66 shooting, while making 18 of 29 free throws, committing just five turnovers and pulling down 34 rebounds, canning six of 14 three-pointers.

Three games are on tap at the tournament Tuesday night, including the season opener for the Effingham Hearts, who will take on Belleville Althoff in a 5pm contest that can be heard on 979XFM and www.979xfm.com.  Mt. Zion will take on Breese Central at 6:30pm and Mattoon will play Robinson at 8pm.

The Bulldogs will be back in action Wednesday at 8pm against Belleville Althoff.