Charleston can’t overcome Principia’s size, falls 73-58

CHARLESTON, Mo. — Principia, ranked No. 6 in Class 4, proved too strong for Charleston in the 6th Man Shootout on Saturday.

While the Blue Jays (11-12) displayed heart and hustle, the Panthers (15-5) size and skills ultimately overwhelmed them in the 73-58 loss.

“Their height was affecting us making shots around the goal all night,” said Charleston coach Jamarcus Williams. “But we still did a good job getting to the bucket in the first three quarters. We just missed a bunch of easy buckets, particularly in the fourth quarter, when we went on a scoring drought.”

Charleston's Tayshon Clark (10) goes up for layup during a 73-59 loss to Principia in the Charleston 6th Man Shootout on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Principia controlled the first quarter, establishing a 15-10 lead with the Panther’s skilled big men, adept at leveraging their footwork and size, consistently finding easy looks inside. Principia hit a 3-pointer midway through the second quarter to stretch the lead to double digits for the first time.

Despite the early deficit, Charleston refused to surrender. Tayshon Clark sparked a late surge with free throws and a three-pointer, narrowing the gap to 35-31. Clark had a solid game for the Blue Jays, finishing with a team-high 17 points, and knocking down three shots from outside the 3-point arc.

“Clark is his best version when he’s more aggressive with discipline,” Williams said. “He’s starting to that out and it is going to make us into a better team down the stretch.”

Charleston's Ko'Terrion Owens (0) tries to get to the basket during a 73-59 loss to Principia in the Charleston 6th Man Shootout on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Clark continued his efforts in the third quarter, cutting the lead to 43-40 with another triple.

However, Principia quickly responded, re-establishing a comfortable margin at 48-40.

A late corner 3-pointer by Treshaun Schandon brought Charleston within four points at 52-48, heading into the final frame.

Unfortunately for the Blue Jays, they couldn't sustain their momentum in the final quarter. The Panthers capitalized on their physical advantage, regained control of the ball, and widened the lead to double digits, ultimately securing a 73-58 victory.

Despite facing a size disadvantage, Charleston's post players Deshaun Henderson and Ko’Terrion Owens battled hard and held their own against a formidable frontcourt.

“They accepted the challenge,” Williams said. “We can’t control who we step out on the court against. But everyone is ready to give it their all no matter who it is.”

Charleston will be back in action, hosting Portageville (14-7) on Friday, Feb. 9.

__PRINCIPIA 73, CHARLESTON 58__

Principia 15 22 15 21 — 73

Charleston 10 21 17 10 — 58

Principia (73) — Ben Akoro 22, Quentin Coleman 17, Jaylen Edwards 10, Sikou Cisse 10, Gassim Toure 8, Jaedyn Jones 4, Christian Dake 2. FG: 29. FT: 11-17. F: 26. (3-pointers: Coleman 2, Edwards 2. Fouled out: Jones.)

Charleston (58) — Tayshon Clark 17, Ko’Terrion Owens 15, Zachyran Thomas 8, Deshean Henderson 7, Treshaun Schandon 5, Govarion Johnson 2, Davarious Williams 2, Adrian Rodgers 2. FG: 16. FT: 21-27. F: 12. (3-pointers: Clark 3, Owens 1, Schandon 1. Fouled out: None.)