Chester Clippers Boys Basketball get sunk in Reading

By Terry Thomas

On Tuesday evening, the Chester Clippers (1-2) were sunk by the host Reading Red Knights (4-1) 48-65 at the Geigle Complex. Reading was playing their first home game since capturing the school's basketball State Championship in 2016-17. The momentum from the pre-game ceremony carried the Red Knight to a 18-8 outburst over the sluggish Clippers in the opening quarter. While the young Clippers continued to fight they could not overcome their slow start and suffered their second setback of this young season. Coach Taylor went to his bench calling on sophomore Rahmee Gilbert to team-up with Michael Smith in the back-court for the second quarter. The pair combined to score 9 of the teams 13 points as Chester tried to close the gap. They score 4 and 5 points respectively. However, a few untimely turnovers allowed the Red Knights to increase their lead by four at the half. Chester - 21, Reading - 35. Chester used five different scoring in the third quarter to produce their 14 points trying to keep the game competitive. Senior Kylair Blackston scored 4 of his 6 points, Smith and Gilbert contributed 3 apiece while senior Brian Randolph III and junior Javan Graham dropped in two points apiece. Graham finished with 4 points. Reading once again outscored Chester by four to drop the Clippers further behind at the end of the 3rd quarter. Chester - 35, Reading 53. Smith added two points in the final quarter to finish with a team high 12 points and Gilbert laid in 4 to join him in double figures with 11 points establishing a career high. Randolph chimed in with 3 more for a 7 point night. The Clippers continued to play hard but could not overcome their slow start in the contest.

Juniors Rahmaad DeJarnette and Rahnel Sparks joined seniors Timothy Johnson and Zhaid Ferguson in scoring two points each. Gilbert also handed out a team/career high of 4 assists in the contest.

The Clippers will return action at the Clip Joint on Friday, December 22nd when they play host to Sanford (DE) in the nightcap of the 2nd Annual Rondae Hollis-Jefferson Classic. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.