Chester makes three in a row

By Terry Thomas

Unlike their previous two games, the Clippers came out running and easily dismantled the visiting Bayard Rustin (3-2) Golden Knights,73-48, to close out the 4th Annual Rondae Hollis-Jefferson Classic. Chester outscored their opponents 31-18 in the first half and 42-22 in the second half to stay undefeated at 3-0. This marked Coach Taylor's first win against the Golden Knights.

Tonight's affair turned into a "Block Party" as the Clippers filled the stat sheet with 11 blocked shots led by 6'7" junior Shaquan Horsey with 3. The last time the Clippers recorded 11 blocked shots the Golden Knights were their opponent back on 1/3/2017. The Clippers won that contest by a score of 72-68. Junior Karell Watkins got the party started in the first quarter, after blocking a shot he ran the floor and was award with an assisted layup by senior Rahmee Gilbert. This gave Chester the lead 15-13 at the 1:30 mark. They would never trail after that point. Watkins finished with two along with seniors Akeem Taylor Jr. and Jahmaige Womack. Senior guards Faheem Berry and Malik Langley joined the party with one block apiece. Langley also added two points.

Watkins proved to be too much to handle producing 21 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks in less than 3 quarters of play. With the game well in hand he along with his fellow starters supported their teammate from the bench the entire 4th quarter. Taylor joined Watkins in double figures and added 2 assists, 2 blocks, 3 rebounds and a steal. Gilbert contributed 8 points, a season high 6 assists, 2 rebounds and a steal. Senior Zahmir Carroll chipped in with 5 points, 2 assists, 5 rebounds and 1 steal. The last starter, junior point guard Fareed Burton Jr, provided 3 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal and tied his season high with 3 assists.

Senior Faheem Berry made the most of the extra minutes he was awarded by finishing with a career high of 10 points and 3 rebounds to go along with his assist, steal and rebound. Senior Jahmaige Womack playing in his first game as a Clipper made the most of the eight fourth quarter minutes. The only thing he did not do was provide an assist. Womack completed his debut with 6 points, 2 blocks, 1 rebound and 1 steal. Horsey came off the bench to compile a career high 4 rebounds to add to his 3 blocks and 2 points. Senior J'shon Lawler added 3 points and season highs of 3 assists and 2 steals. Junior Lenny Camacho completed the Clippers stat sheet with 2 points, 2 assists and 1 steal.

The team finished with season highs of 17 assists (on 30 made baskets), 11 blocks and matched their season high of 11 steals. Eleven of the twelve Clippers were able to add their name to the stat sheet.

Chester will be leaving the comforts of the Clip Joint for their next four contest. First up will be a trip to Reading to face the Red Knights on Tuesday, December 17th. The game will be played at the Geigle complex with JV tip-off at 6:00 p.m. The Varsity will follow.