Chester High Boys Basketball continues to sail

By Terry Thomas

Chester won their fourth consecutive of 2019 easily defeating the Glen Mills Battlin'  Bulls 79-44 at the Fred Pickett Gymnasium aka “Clip Joint”. The victory moves the Clippers to 8-4 overall and 3-0 in Del Val League play. Operating effectively on the offensive end, the Chester starting five joined forces to produce 19 first quarter points. Their defense was not as cohesive giving up 12 points. Sophomore Karell Watkins led the way with 6, senior Michael Smith added 5, senior Javan Graham starting his 3rd consecutive game dropped in 4 and junior Zahmir Carroll along with senior Rahmaad DeJarnette completed the scoring with 2 apiece.

The Clippers defensive woes continued into the second quarter where they were outscored 11-13 and saw their lead cut to 30-25 at the intermission. Juniors Rahmee Gilbert and Akeem Taylor Jr. scored 4 and 3 points respectively while Smith and Carroll chipped in a bucket each to hold off the Batllin' Bulls.

The Clippers used the halftime break to recharge their focus and the results proved fruitful holding the Bulls to 8 third quarter points. On the offensive end the flood gates were open where they hit the Bulls with 28 points. DeJarnette scored 9 of his 11 points, Watkins controlled the boards with 8 points, Smith laid in 6 of his 15 and Taylor drained 5 of his 9. Chester led 58-33 at the end of the quarter.

Sophomore Fareed Burton Jr. led the charge in the final quarter where he scored all 7 of his points and Chester outscored Glen Mills 21-11 for the final margin.

Senior point guard Michael Smith controlled the game in all facets recording a double-double with his 15 points and a career high 10 rebounds. He also recorded 5 assists and 4 steals. Sophomore Karell Watkins collected his 10th double-double in 12 games with 10 rebounds to go along with his 16 points. DeJarnette added 11 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals. Taylor finished with 9 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals and 1 assist. Gilbert accounted for 8 points and the team's only blocked shot. Senior Naim Berry Jr. came off the bench and knocked down a trey that energized the crowd. Fellow senior Christian Massena made the most of his fourth quarter minutes with 2 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 assist.

The Clippers will return to action on Thursday, January 17th, when they host Del Val League opponent Penn Wood Patriots. The JV will tip-off at 6:00 p.m. with the Varsity to follow.