By Terry Thomas
The
Chester Clippers moved to 9-5 as Michael Smith goes
8 for 8 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter to secure the win
over the visiting Harrisburg Cougars (9-5). Chester's win streak for 2018 is
now at 8 games. Javan Graham starting for the injured Rahnel Sparks got the
Clippers started with bucket he would score his only 3 points in the period.
The Clippers found wind for their sails inside the Clip Joint and jumped out to
a 14-8 lead forcing a timeout from the Cougars at the 3:39 mark. The Clippers
points were produced by Smith (5), Brian Randolph III (4) and Rahmee Gilbert
(3). The timeout did not stop the wind in the Clippers sails as they ended the
quarter outscoring the Cougars 7-5 for a 21-13 lead. Graham's 1 of 2 free
throws were sandwiched between treys from Randolph and Isaiah
Schmidt. The Clipper turned the ball over twice to open the 2nd quarter
allowing the Cougars to drawn within three at 21-18. After missing two free
throws, Zahmir Carroll put back a missed Schmidt jumper for a 23-18 Clippers
lead. With Smith on the bench since the 6:56 in the second quarter after picking up his second
foul, Chester was able to score just 5 points the rest of the way on a floater
by Gilbert and Timothy Johnston 3 of 4 free throws. This was enough however for
the Clippers to take a 28-26 lead into intermission. The Clippers were even
less productive offensively in the third quarter only scoring 6 points.
Sophomore Malik Langley starting the 3rd quarter for the injured Rahmee Gilbert
connected on a trey and Johnston added the other three on a free throw and a put
back. Harrisburg produced another 13 point quarter and Chester trailed 34-39
after three quarters. Schmidt opened the final quarter with 5 quick points to
cut the deficit to 39-41 at the 6:10 mark. With both teams going scoreless on the next
possessions, Smith knocked down triple from the top of the key and the Clippers
regained the lead 42-41 at 4:50. After a turnover and two missed free throws,
Chester was behind once again 42-44 with 3:52 remaining. 3:08 - Smith returned to the line shooting a 1 and 1
and knocked down two to tie the score at 44. 2:10 - this time it was Carroll at the line with a 1
and 1, he drained both to tie the score at 46. 1:28 - trailing 46-48, Schmidt drove the lane where he
was fouled and made 1 of 2 and Chester was now down 47-48. 1:11 - after a steal and an
old-fashioned three point play, the Clippers took the lead for good at 50-48.
The Clippers held the Cougars scoreless on their last three possessions while
Smith went to the free throw line on Chester's last three possessions where he
was 6 of 6 for the final margin of victory. Chester doubled Harrisburg in the
final quarter 22-11 led by Smith (11), Schmidt (6), Randolph (3) and Carroll
(2). The twenty-two included the team connecting on 12 of 15 free throws.
Smith
and Randolph finished in double figures with 16 and 10 points respectively
while Schmidt just missed with 9 points. The rest of the Clippers scoring came
from Johnston (6), Gilbert (5), Carroll (4) and Graham and Langley each
contributed 3. Gilbert did not play in the second half after twisting his ankle
in the closing seconds of the 2nd quarter.
Chester
returns to league play on
Tuesday - January 23rd, when the Chichester Eagles visit the
Clip Joint. This will be the 2nd in a four game home stand for the Clippers.
The JV will tip-off at 6:00
p.m. with Varsity to follow.
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