Chester claims 3rd consecutive Del Val Championship

By Terry Thomas

After a sluggish first half, the Clippers responded with 54 second half points to breeze past the Academy Park Knights to the tune of 82-56. With the win Chester is now 14-3 overall and 6-0 in Del Val League play. Their three game lead with only two league games remaining gives them the League Championship for the 3rd consecutive year.

The Clippers held a 16-11 lead after the first quarter with Zahmir Carroll and Karell Watkins leading the way with five points apiece. All the wind was gone from their sails in the second quarter resulting in numerous turnovers and missed opportunities which allowed the Knights to take a 32-28 lead into intermissions.

Coach Taylor's half-time speech proved effective as the Clippers came out with more energy in the third quarter. With just over 3:00 minutes to go reserve Lenny Camacho knocked down a trey to tie the game at 41 and a layup by Fareed Burton Jr on the next possession gave the Clippers the lead for good at 43-41. For good measures, Camacho drained another trey at the 1:30 mark pushing the lead to 50-41. It was also the beginning of a nightmare for the Knights. Chester ended the quarter on a 9-0 run, Chester - 52, Academy Park - 41.

Things didn't get any better for the Knights in the 4th quarter as the onslaught continued. The Clippers pulled away producing another 30 point 4th quarter with their lead growing to 80-50 with 2:36 remaining. The Knights could not stop either Burton nor Watkins during the 4th quarter run. Burton recorded 16 of his career high 22 points while Watkins dropped in 10 of his game high 25 points.

Watkins recorded his customary double-double with 12 rebounds. Taylor joined him with a double-double of his own having recorded 12 points and a career high 11 rebounds. Zahmir Carroll, the fourth Clippers in double figures, just missed the party with 11 points and 9 rebounds.

The Clippers will return home to the Clip Joint to entertain Del Val League foe Chichester Eagles on Thursday, January 30th. The JV will tip-off at 6:00 p.m. with the Varsity to follow.

JV GAME RECAP

The Clippers ended their two game losing streak with a 69-60 win. Lenny Camacho led three of his teammates in double figures with a season and game high 27 points. Nasir Madison and William Smith joined him with 14 and 11 points respectively.