Chester High Clippers Boys Basketball let one slip away

By Terry Thomas

The Clippers start the season 0-2 after falling 66-64 to the Bayard Rustin Knights. Senior Rahmaad DeJarnette scored 11 of his career high 27 points in the opening quarter as Chester held a slim 19-16 lead. DeJarnette would add 7 more in the 2nd quarter coupled with junior Akeem Taylor scoring the final 5 points in the quarter; the Clippers would maintain their 3 point advantage 33-30 at the intermission. Uncharacteristically the Clippers were outscored 20-17 as the Knights would tie the score at 50 at the end of the 3rd quarter. Senior Michael Smith dropped in 6 of his 10 points, junior Rahmee Gilbert contributed 5 of his 7 and Taylor provided 4 of his season high 14 points. With sophomore Karell Watkins saddled with three fouls, senior Zahmir Carroll would add the final two of Chester's 17 third quarter points. Again, DeJarnette found his mark in the final quarter dropping 9 points. But, each time the Clippers would forge ahead the Knights would draw them back with their deadly free throw shooting connecting on 12 of 14 attempts. After sitting most of the 4th quarter with four fouls, Watkins was able to score the bucket that tied the game at 64 with 25 seconds remaining in the contest. It would be his second basket on the night as he finished with 4 points. Out of the Knights timeout, the Clippers played excellent defense that resulted in a steal by Gilbert but a missed contested layup with 7 seconds on the clock that gave the Knights one too many opportunities. With 5.1 seconds on the clock, the Knights Taj Asparagus knocked down two foul shots for the 66-64 lead. The Clippers pushed the ball up the court and their final shot fell short.

The Clippers had three players in double figures: DeJarnette (27), Taylor (14) and Smith (10). Their remaining points were scored by Gilbert (7), Watkins (4) and Carroll (2).

Chester will continue their play on the road as they travel to take on the Newark (DE) Yellowjackets on Thursday (Dec 13th) afternoon. JV tips off at 4:00 with the Varsity to follow.