When you think of a team that is 10 games below .500, you think that team is probably pretty bad. However, Marshall might be one of the better losing teams in the area. Given their schedule and the scores that are up, they have proven to be a scrappy team. Fans will see only five wins attached to their name, but make no mistake, this team has played some teams down to the wire. Those same teams have ultimately defeated the Trojans during the regular season. 

Here is the preview of tonight’s game. 

Team Records: Charleston (15-10, 7-4) @ Marshall (5-16, 2-5)

Where: Marshall High School

Tickets: Tickets can be purchased at MHS Gym. 

School Size: Charleston (796), Marshall (376)

JV Tip-Off: 6:00 p.m.

Varsity Tip-Off: 7:30 p.m.

Opponent’s History: Nathan Haines appears to be in his first year coaching Marshall. He took over for John Webber, who coached three seasons, including the team’s 24-7 Regional Championship team in 2020. Before that, Tom Brannen served 23 years and won 460 games. Marshall competes in the Little Illini Conference. Last year, the team finished 7-3 in the shortened season. 

Marshall’s Past Results: Marshall has lost four straight games, including two one-point losses to Newton, a team that has defeated Charleston two times this season. Marshall fell 51-50 and 58-57. The team also fell to Robinson 63-61 in overtime, another team that Charleston has lost to this season. Other familiar foes include a 43-31 loss to Olney. 

“Our season started rough with injuries and sickness,” said Haines. “We played the majority of the first part of the season without a starter or two most games. Since January, we are a healthy and full roster. We have been in every game and taken tough teams down the wire. We have been in multiple OT and 2OT games. Our record doesn’t tell the whole story.”

Marshall’s Top Players: Haines calls the team balanced in scoring. Seniors Nick Brown and Logan Medsker have been leading the team in scoring (stats unavailable), while Landon Boatman and Nathan Swan are in the mix. Haines said it’s “usually a different guy each game.”

Marshall’s Team Stats:  Marshall is averaging 47.8 points per game and allowing 54.6 points per game. 

Charleston’s Past Results: Charleston is coming off a 56-52 loss at Mahomet-Seymour on the road on Wednesday. Before that, the team defeated Effingham 57-46 at home. 

Charleston’s Team Stats:  Charleston is averaging 55.1 points per game and allowing 45.8 points per game. 

What Marshall Said: “We will have to control the scoring threats,” said Haines. “For our team it’s more about how we handle certain situations within our team. Charleston is athletic and can score. We will have to do a good job of defending and rebounding.” 

What Charleston Said: Coach did not respond to comment.