For a team that has lost every game of the season, Rantoul has drawn some praise from Charleston. The Eagles have a strong freshman scorer we could hear about for years to come. Looking to avoid a trap game, Charleston looks to finish out the week with another win. 

Here is a preview of this afternoon’s game. 

Team Records: Charleston (12-7, 5-2) @ Rantoul (0-21, 0-2)

Where: Rantoul High School

Tickets: Tickets can be purchased at Rantoul High School

School Size: Charleston (796), Rantoul (772)

JV Tip-Off: None

Varsity Tip-Off: 3 p.m.

Opponent’s History: Rantoul’s results for basketball haven’t been posted on IHSA since the 2011-2012 season. It appears that is the last time the team has had a winning season. 

Rantoul’s Past Results: Rantoul recently lost to Mount Zion 88-72. Other similar opponents include losing to Mattoon 74-60 and 66-44, Mahomet-Seymour 50-36, Taylorville 52-33, and Teutopolis 69-42. 

Rantoul’s Top Players: Rantoul’s leading scorers are freshman Conner Smith at 12.0 points per game. Smith averaged 19.0 points per game in a three-game stretch last week. Senior Marcus Lee is averaging 10.0 points per game. 

Rantoul’s Team Stats: Rantoul is averaging 45.5 points per game and allowing 65.0 points per game. 

Charleston’s Past Results: Charleston is coming off a 67-52 win over Champaign St. Thomas More on Monday. The Trojans haven’t played since then.

“We are heading in the right direction,” said head coach Cody Drone. “Are we where I want to be, no, but as a team, we continually have this growth mindset to understand and be proud of what we have accomplished this year, but also to never be satisfied and to keep improving every single day. Our mindset is continually improving every game and every practice.”

Charleston’s Team Stats: Charleston is averaging 55.5 points per game and allowing 51.9 points per game. 

What Rantoul Said: “Though we haven’t pulled a win out yet we have competed in a lot of games,” said head coach Ryan Parker. “We could easily be around a .500 ball club, have led in the 4th in 8 games just can’t find success in the closing minutes. COVID has hit us hard as well with not allowing us to practice like we need to and canceling several games. Haven’t reallyreallyto the scout on Charleston much, but looking at their scores looks like they’ve played quality opponents and been able to score the ball pretty well. We have to be able to guard.”

What Charleston Said: “They have some athletes that like to run and play physically,” said Drone. “Their record does not show their abilities as a basketball team and we are preparing for them as we do for all our opponents. I expect us to play hard, play disciplined, and play Charleston basketball. We need to have our best every time we step on the court for us to win games. On Saturday we will need to play our best if we want a win.”