Sunday, January 13, 2019

Chester High Boys Basketball remains undefeated in 2019


By Terry Thomas

Chester keeps their 2019 win streak alive at 3 games after pulling away from the Bartram Braves in the second half for a decisive 68-49 win. The Clippers again had a slow start and found themselves trailing 11-14 after the first quarter. Juniors Rahmee Gilbert made his presence felt after missing the last two games due to injury. Gilbert added 7 of his 13 points in the second quarter including a trey that gave the Clippers the lead for good 35-34 at the half. Gilbert finished with 3 assists, 3 rebounds and 1 steal. After scoring only one point in the opening stanza, sophomore Karell Watkins scored both inside and out adding 7 points including a trey. The Clippers were able to connect on 10 of 14 free throw attempts and outscored the Braves, 24-20, to capture the lead at the intermission.

Dissatisfied with giving up 34 points in the first half, Coach Taylor's halftime speak must have focused on defense based on the Clippers second half performance. The Clippers began to trap, kept a hand in the face of shooter and controlled the boards which limited the Braves to a mere 3 points in the 3rd quarter. And, that basket came with less than 50 seconds remaining in the quarter. The pace of the game slowed resulting in Chester having just 13 possession in the quarter. The Clippers took advantage of their opportunities scoring 14 points. Watkins contributed 7, Smith added 5 and junior Zahmir Carroll chipped in 2 of his 6 points. Chester had a 49-37 lead going into the 4th quarter.

Bartram could not contain Karell Watkins as he controlled the paint where he added 8 more of his team high 23 points enroute to his 9th double-double of the season with 12 rebounds. The Clippers used the energy from Watkins to sail away from the Braves in the final period pushing their lead to as many as 20 points with 2:09 left in the contest, Chester - 65, Bartram - 45.

Senior Michael Smith had another well rounded game with 10 points, 4 assists, 4 steals and 2 rebounds. Senior Rahmaad DeJarnette contributed 8 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal to the stat sheet. Akeem Taylor Jr. returned to action after missing the last game due to injury and finished with 6 points, 5 rebounds, 1 blocked shot and 1 steal. Senior Javan Graham completed the Chester's scoring with 2 points in the 1st quarter.

Chester will return to league play on Tuesday, January 15th, playing host to the Glen Mills Battlin' Bulls. The JV will tip off at 6:00 with the Varsity to follow.

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