The Charleston Tigers came within minutes of sweeping a football and basketball state championship in the 2013-2014 school year. The Tigers boys basketball team lost in the 3A title game to Episcopal Collegiate, 62-56, Saturday at Summit Arena in Hot Springs.
"It's kind of a let down to lose, but it happens," said Charleston junior Matthew Ward. It's tough to swallow."
Ward has been Charleston's super star all season, but spent most of this game in foul trouble. He fouled out with under five minutes to go and the game tied on a controversial offensive charge call.
"The kid was moving and fouling but the referee called it," said Charleston coach B.J. Ross. "That's what it was. "
After Ward fouled out. Charleston wasn't the same team and Episcopal went on a run to close out the final minutes.
Episcopal also knocked the Tigers out in the quarterfinals last year.