NORTH CHARLEROI - Experience is priceless.
Don't believe it⢠Just ask the two head coaches involved in the California's 57-48 win over Charleroi Tuesday.
"California played well," said first-year Cougar mentor Jim Protin. "They have some key players back with a lot of experience, and it showed."
"Our big three will do the most for us," said second-year Trojan coach Steve Luko. "But we are going to have to start getting production from other players."
The big three that Luko talked about are seniors Shane Tonkavich, Dan Cope and Ryan Robinson.
Charleroi, on the other hand, only has one player back from last year's team with playing experience.
Tonkavich led all scorers with 19 points. He hit five three-pointers.
Cope added 17 points and six rebounds while Robinson played a solid floor game with five assists, three steals and three rebounds to go with his seven points.
"Shane gave us a big lift," said Luko. "He can shoot the ball."
"Tonkavich can shoot the ball," said Protin. "He crushed us tonight."
The game was even throughout most of the first half. It was tied at 11-11 at the end of the first quarter, thanks in part to the Cougars' Devoron Ford. Ford scored seven points in the opening eight minutes.
The Trojans (1-2) were holding on to a narrow three point lead late in the first half when Tonkavich nailed two trifecta's within 30 seconds of each other to give the guests a 24-15 halftime.
Tonkavich (eight) and Cope (four) combined for 12 of the Trojans' 13 second quarter points whereas the Cougars went cold. Charleroi (1-2) could only manage a Chad Young bucket and two Brad Kurowsky free throws in the second frame.
"We have to put a complete game together," said Protin. "I was happy for the most part with our defense, but we are not scoring."
The Trojans would extend their lead to 42-28 going into the fourth quarter and led by as many as 21 points before the Cougars made the score respectable.
"We have to be more patient on offense," said Luko. "We are in too much of a hurry."
Protin made note of two seniors, Luke Kovalchuck and Greg Trilli, who played solid games.
"Luke is playing himself into more playing time," said Protin. "And Greg did a good job. He has no fear."
The Trojans host Frazier Friday while Charleroi plays Ringgold tonight at 6:30 in the Mon Valley Shootout.
"California deserved to win this game because they played harder," said Protin. "But we have to move on and be ready for Ringgold."
