Chartiers Valley hopes to heat things up in Section 4-AAAA
Chartiers Valley, like the temperatures outside, has gone cold offensively but as Section 4-AAAA boys’ basketball action heats up, the Colts look to find their shooting streak.
The Colts, who started the week at 3-0 in the league and 7-2 overall, have scored just 139 points in their past three games. The team, which averaged 79 points in its first six games, lost 76-48 to Cooper Hills in Utah in the KSA Disney Classic in Orlando but beat Ralston Valley from Colorado, 42-38, and Upper St. Clair, 49-41, before breaking for the holidays.
“I think we are playing well defensively,” CV floor boss Tim McConnell stressed, “but we are struggling a little on offense. I hope the Christmas break will have helped solve this issue.”
If the Colts suffered from a lack of unity, then they resolved that during their trip to Florida. CV posted a 2-1 record in the tournament, including an opening win against St. Martin from Mississippi, 80-67. That was the last time the Colts scored over 70 points.
“Our trip was awesome,” McConnell said. “We played really good competition. We also got to visit all the parks. Anytime you can get away for six days with your team it always helps your team grow closer together.”
The Colts demonstrated that unity when they returned to league play and dispatched the Panthers. Ross Wilkerson exploded for 18 points, 10 in the decisive fourth quarter. Ed Flohr followed with 13 tallies and Caleb Zajicek tacked on 10 markers.
Wilkerson has been impressive for the Colts despite playing with a broken nose. In fact, he broke it for the second time in the win against USC.
“He didn’t tell anyone,” said a shocked McConnell. “He’s a really tough kid and he’s been playing extremely well for us.”
The Colts will need to play well to survive a challenging week. After the hoopla of raising its championship banner from 2015 and retiring Matty McConnell’s jersey, CV hosted Peters Township (Jan. 5).
The Colts visit Mt. Lebanon Jan. 8 before returning home to take on Baldwin at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 9. The Colts and Highlanders are tied for the Section 4 lead while Peters and Lebo are tied with USC and Moon for second place, all with 2-2 slates.