Clippers Overcome by the Rams

By Terry Thomas

Chester (4-2) were unable to overcome their slow start in falling to the West Chester East (7-1) Rams 60-47 at the 15th Annual Pete/Jameer Nelson Classic on the campus of West Chester University. Down 8-16 entering the 2nd quarter, junior Karell Watkins deposited 11 of his team high 20 points as the Clippers closed to 23-26 at the half. Chester usually strong defensive and offensive effort was AWOL in the 3rd quarter as East pushed their lead back to 10 points, 30-40, to end the quarter. Watkins once again led the Clippers with 7 points.

Led by junior Fareed Burton Jr and senior Akeem Taylor Jr with 7 and 6 points respectively, Chester got within 5, 47-53, with 1:25 remaining in the contest. However, the Clippers went scoreless in the next five possession which allowed the Rams to close with a 7-0 run.

For the second consecutive game, all the Chester points came from their starting five. Watkins recorded another double-double with 12 rebounds to go along with his 20 points. Taylor joined him in double figures with 12 points followed by Burton with 9. Rahmee Gilbert and Zahmir Carroll completed the scoring with 4 and 2 points respectively. The Clippers finished with 8 assists on 18 made baskets.

The Clippers will return to action on Monday, December 30th with the Pete/Jameer Nelson Classic returns to Widener University. Chester will take on the Haverford School in the nightcap scheduled for a 8:30 p.m. tip-off.

JV HOLIDAY RECAP

Chester's JV record now stands at 4-2 after splitting games in the JV Christmas Tournament on the campus of West Chester University.

Game 1 - Owen J. Roberts:  Saahir McMillan led three Clippers in double figures with a game high 16 points as Chester won easily 60-32. Lenny Camacho and Yinka Itabiyi joined the party with 11 points each. Ten of the twelve Clippers who saw action entered their namews in the scoring column. The other Chester scorers were Nasir Madison (8), William Smith (4) followed by Donziar Ellis, Naeem Scott Jr, Kareem Devore, Keenan Warren and Jermere Clark each with 2 points.

Game 2 - Central Buck South: The Clippers let this one slip away in overtime falling 46-47. Leading 46-44 with 7 second remaining, a missed assignment left an open shooter who nailed a trey from the corner as the buzzer sounded. Lenny Camacho was high scorer for Chester with 12 points. Edward Harmon (8), Donziar Ellis (7) and Yinka Itabiyi contributed 6 points. Nasir Madison and Jermere Clark each added four points coupled with two each from William Smith and Keenan Warren.

The JV team return to action on Saturday, January 4th when the Bartram Braves visit the Clip Joint. JV tip-off is slated for 6:00 p.m. with the Varsity to follow.