Wiltz, Cougars look to build on last year’s success
Charleroi鈥檚 Will Wagner drives past a line of Steel Valley during a game last season. Wagner is one of four returning starters for the Cougars.
Charleroi鈥檚 Jake Caruso lofts a shot against McGuffey during a game last season. Caruso is one of four returning starters for the Cougars.
A year after leading the Charleroi boys basketball program to its first playoff win in 24 years, head coach Bill Wiltz thinks this year鈥檚 team can do more.
The Cougars return four starters and Wiltz knows what the recipe needs to be to have another solid year.
鈥淲e look to build off of last year by doing the same thing and with four starters back, I am pretty confident we can exceed last season鈥檚 performance,鈥� said Wiltz. 鈥淲e have to shoot the ball well, and we do have some good shooters.
鈥淒efense will be a key as well, and we have always been known for our defense.鈥�
The four returning starters are senior wing Will Wagner, senior guards Jake Caruso and Gavin Theys and 6-2 junior center Ben Shields.
Wiltz spoke about Wagner, who is a little more than 200 points away from joining his dad, Bill, in the 1,000-point club at Charleroi.
鈥淲ill is a leader and the kids respect him,鈥� Wiltz said. 鈥淗e is the first to the gym, works hard and is the last to leave.
鈥淗e is very humble, which is unique for someone with his level of talent.鈥�
The other starting spot will be manned by either senior Brennan Shannon or sophomore Bryce Large. Three other players who will see time are sophomore twins Jake and Joel Chambers and senior Jake King.
The Cougars will compete in Section 4-AAA along with Beth-Center, Brentwood, Brownsville, Charleroi, McGuffey, Washington and Waynesburg Central.
鈥淲e should be able to compete,鈥� Wiltz said of the section. 鈥淲ashington is always tough, and McGuffey is always tough.
鈥淚t is a very competitive section. Waynesburg has improved and it will be a dog fight every day,鈥� said Wiltz.
Charleroi opens play in the MVI Tip-Off at Belle Vernon against Serra and Clairton in the two-day event.