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Central High School’s varsity boys basketball team is looking to clean up its mistakes and play more consistently entering its final three games of the regular season with the prospect of a Region 1B playoff berth unknown, but still a consideration.

The Chargers closed last week with a rough contest they will aim to grow from.

They lost 84-34 to visiting Prince Edward County High School Friday, Jan. 31.

“I thought we did not play very well,” Central Head Coach Mike McGrath said. “We got in foul trouble early, which did not help our cause.”

Prince Edward jumped out to a big lead in the first quarter, carrying a 34-2 advantage into the second period.

“We have done a fairly decent job versus the press, but while we made our share of mistakes passing the ball, the referees need to call a tighter game,” McGrath said. “I thought too much was allowed to go on too early in the contest.”

Though the result was essentially determined later in the second half as the Eagles maintained their sizable lead, Central continued to work, trying to create a good foundation for better performances moving forward. McGrath said his players worked on better ball movement to create scoring opportunities.

Chargers junior guard Tyler McGrath contributed 10 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals for the game, and senior guard T’zion Wilkerson had 10 points, two boards and one assist.

Earlier in the week, the Chargers fell 68-24 at Amelia County High School, and the previous week, they lost 70-37 at Randolph-Henry High School.

“We have been inconsistent in the second half, and poor shooting in both games was a major factor in the outcomes,” McGrath said. “… This team works hard, and (players) are committed to each other and improving. They will strive to win each of the remaining games on the schedule.”

Following a home game Tuesday, Feb. 4, against Nottoway High School, the Chargers host Goochland High School Friday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m.