The last regular season game.

The last Apollo Conference game.

Senior Night.

Tonight’s game between Charleston and Mattoon has several interesting angles for this Coles County rivalry.

“This rivalry is always an exciting atmosphere with high energy and intensity,” said Charleston coach AJ Alexander. “I am sure both crowds will be getting rowdy for the regular season finale and will be a packed house.”

Here is tonight’s preview. 

Team Records: Charleston (12-14, 5-6) @ Mattoon (7-23, 3-7)

Where: Mattoon High School

Tickets: Tickets can be purchased at MHS Gym

School Size: Charleston (796), Mattoon (929)

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

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

Charleston’s Past Results: Charleston has won three games in a row, two n overtime. A 69-61 overtime win over Effingham set the tone last Tuesday. The Trojans followed that with an 83-61 win on Senior Night over Marshall. On Tuesday, Charleston edged Paris, 59-58. 

Charleston’s Top Players: According to MaxPreps, Caleb Oakley leads the team in scoring with 13.5 points per game, followed by William Applegate (13.3 points) who is injured. Luke Bonnstetter adds 10.2 points, James Hess 8.5 points, and freshman Tyler Oakley is averaging 6.8 per game. 

Charleston’s Team Stats:  The Trojans are averaging 54.8 points and allowing 58.4. 

Mattoon’s Past Results: Mattoon is on a four-game losing steak since defeating Effingham 44-43 on Feb. 2. The Green Wave has since lost to Taylorville 66-61, Mount Zion 78-44, Robinson 64-51, and Teutopolis 61-45 as recently as Tuesday. 

Mattoon’s Top Players:  The Green Wave have relied on Christian Larson, Blaine Powers, Taeriek Grace, and Andrew Wetzel for scoring. 

Mattoon’s Team Stats: The Green Wave are averaging 47.6 points and allowing 58.2. 

What Charleston Said: “As a team, we need to take it one possession at a time and not get lost in the moment,” said Alexander. “I know for a fact that we will need to play our A-game for a full four quarters on both the offensive and defensive end to get the result we want.”