Chester High Boys Basketball remains atop the Del Val

By Terry Thomas

The Chester Clippers (12-4) continues to sail through 2019 and the Del Val with a 67-61 victory over the host Academy Park Knights. The win keeps the Clippers clean for both 2019 at 8-0 and the Del Val at 5-0. Chester took a 14 point lead into the final quarter and it was too much for the Knights to overcome.

Sophomore Karell Watkins led four Clippers in double figures with 18 points followed by senior point guard Michael Smith's 16 points. Senior Rahmaad DeJarnette and junior Akeem Taylor Jr completed the quad with 14 and 10 points.

Trailing early in the 1st quarter, a bucket from Smith cut the deficit to 11-12. Back to back baskets from DeJarnette and a free throw from Rahmee Gilbert game the Clippers the lead at the end of the quarter, 16-12. Chester increased it's lead to 10 points at close of the 2nd quarter behind 8 points from Watkins, 5 from DeJarnette, 3 from Gilbert and 2 from Taylor. Chester led at the break 34-24.

Taylor controlled the lane in the 3rd quarter with 8 points as the Clippers began to pull away from the Knights. Smith returned to the scoring column with 5 points and Watkins added 4. DeJarnette and Gilbert chipped in with 3 and 1 points. The Clippers sailed into the final quarter with a 55-41 cushion.

With the Clippers going scoreless for 6 consecutive possessions in the 4th quarter the Knights were able to pull within 2 at 63-61. Chester was able to milk the clock and a bucket from Watkins provided more breathing room at 65-61 with just over 1 minute left in the contest. Watkins would rebound the Knights last two shots giving him 11 rebounds and yet another double-double on the season.

Gilbert finished with 7 points and Zahmir Carroll dropped in the final two points for Chester. Although he didn't add his name to the scoring column, senior Javan Graham produced 5 rebounds and 2 assists.

Chester will take to the road for the 4th consecutive game as they cycle through the Del Val League schedule with a trip to Chichester to face the Eagles on Thursday, January 24th. The JV will tipoff at 3:30 with the Varsity to follow around 5:00 p.m.