Fourth-quarter struggles continued for the Wilmington High boys basketball team last night.

The Greyhounds couldn’t close out Sharpsville on the road in their Region 2-AA opener, falling 53-47.

“It’s hard losing tough games like this,” Wilmington coach Mike Jeckavitch said. “That’s our theme this year, losing on fourth-quarter possessions. We can’t seem to find a way to win them.”

Wilmington (0-1 region, 3-5 overall) has lost its last three decisions, all by three points, in games decided in the fourth quarter or overtime.

“We have a lot of inexperience and young players. We’re just fighting through these times in an effort to build up the team,” Jeckavitch said. “We’ll find a way win these games.”

A solution to the Greyhounds recent woes may come in the person of Nate Anthony. The West Middlesex transfer played in his first game this season coming off a fractured foot.

“Defensively, when he’s on his game, he’s hard to stop,” Jeckavitch said. “He led our team with 11 rebounds. Offensively, I know he isn’t where he wants to be, but he’ll come around. Hopefully, he will be the glue that puts this team together.”

Sharpsville (1-1, 4-3) is coached by former Neshannock skipper Jim Smiley.

Rocco Fagan bucketed a team-high 13 points for the Greyhounds, including two 3-pointers. Jessie Hilliard was next with 11.

“Hilliard really stepped up. He’s been our most consistent guy all year,” Jeckavitch said. “He’s been really flying under the radar. He’s a guy I trust on both ends of the floor.”