The first win of the 2018-19 season arrived Friday night for Central High School’s varsity boys basketball team, and it was an impressive one.

The Chargers were at home, taking on a Prince Edward County High School squad that had handed them a 63-26 road loss Jan. 2 and that had challenged the No. 1 team in the district, Bluestone High School, on the road Jan. 17.

Reflecting on his team’s Jan. 2 game against the Eagles, Central Head Coach Mike McGrath said, “We had a poor night all the way around in that first meeting. Friday was a combo of our excellent defense and our best night shooting on the season.”

Holding a 21-18 advantage at halftime, the Chargers led by as many as 11 points during the game.

“(Prince Edward) closed the gap when two starters fouled out with four minutes to go in the fourth period,” McGrath said.

But the Chargers ultimately prevailed, 59-55.

“It shows we can compete with anyone in the district,” McGrath said.

Leading Central on offense was sophomore Cameron Kates, with 14 points, while junior Darien Jones and senior Khalil Moore recorded 13 points apiece.

“We had seven of 11 players score in this game which was a first for the season also,” McGrath said.

Junior T’zion Wilkerson scored eight points, senior Trey Patterson III had five, sophomore Tyler McGrath had five and junior Shammond Sellers had one.

Central had trouble matching Friday’s winning performance in its game Monday at William Campbell High School. The Chargers fell 66-27.

“We were dragging and played with no energy,” Coach McGrath said. “Last week wore on us — three-game weeks are tough to recover from.”

Moore led Central with 16 points, Kates had six and Tyler McGrath added five.

The Chargers (1-13) visit Amelia County High School on Wednesday at 7 p.m.