By Terry Thomas
For
the second consecutive season the Chester Clippers (19-9) had their quest for a
State Championship ended at the hands of the Abington Heights Comets (24-3). And
for the second consecutive season it was also on the campus of Liberty High
School in Bethlehem. However this season the loss came in regulation, 49-48.
Trailing by twelve, 28-40, entering the 4th quarter Coach Taylor charged his
team that the comeback would be one possession at a time. The team clamped down
defensive and demonstrated the C-Pride that Chester is known for. After a
twisting reverse layup by sophomore Malik Langley with 3:20 on the clock Chester
took their first lead of the game 48-47. As the Comets were running their
offense trying to get an open look, senior Brian Randolph III stole the ball
with 1:55
remaining. It was now Chester's turn to work for an open shot or hold the ball
to the end. With 57.2 seconds remaining the ball slipped off the hands of a
wide open Clippers under their basket and the Comets had life. The Comets
scored to regain the lead 48-49 but the Clippers had one more chance to taste
victory. With 12.1 seconds remaining the Clippers made a costly turnover by
stepping out of bounds with the ball. The Clippers were forced to foul and the
Comets missed the front end of a 1 and 1. Freshman Karell Watkins rebounded the
missed shot and passed the ball to senior Brian Randolph III who drove to the
basket but could not covert through the contact. And the run was over.
Junior
Michael Smith was high man for the Clippers with 11 points followed by
Randolph (9) and Watkins had 8 - seven came in the pivotal 4th quarter.
Junior Rahmaad DeJarnette contributed 7, sophomore Rahmee Gilbert added 5,
senior Timothy Johnston finished with 4 and junior Rahnel Sparks and Langley
each added 2.
*Thank you Terry for a great basketball season of
reporting. Your reports are much appreciated. Awesome job!
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