By Terry Thomas
The Clippers made a
successful return to the Battle By The Bay Showcase after an eight year
absence. They last appeared in February 2011 when they defeated Plainfield (NJ)
by the score of 75-67. The tournament organizers knew what to expect when they
invited the Clippers so they match them against two of their better team; the
St. Joseph (Hammonton) Wildcats (12-2) and the John F. Kennedy (Paterson)
Knights (13-1).
Game 1 - Saturday,
February 1st - St. Joseph Wilcats
After a 25-5 first
quarter, the Clippers (16-3) breezed past the Wilcats (12-3) with a convincing
76-53 win. Senior Akeem Taylor Jr led the way by tying his season high 24
points and hauling in a career high 13 rebounds. His 24 points was also the
game high. Taylor also filled his stat sheet with 4 assist, 3 blocked shots and
5 steals. Junior Karell Watkins joined him with 23 points, 8 rebounds and 4
assists. Junior Fareed Burton Jr also finished in double figures with 12
points. The 5'11" point guard also collected 4 rebounds, dished off 3
assists and blocked 1 shot.
Game 2 - Sunday,
February 2nd - John F. Kennedy Knights
The Clippers (17-3)
recovered from a slow first half where they trailed 20-30 at the intermission
and walked away from the Knights (13-2) with a 65-61 victory. Chester outscored
Kennedy 21-8 in the third quarter to hold a 41-38 advantage into the final
quarter. Watkins led with 8 of his game high 21 points followed by Taylor with
6 of his 14 and senior Rahmee Gilbert adding 5 of his 14 points. Junior Shaquan
Horsey came off the bench for a very important 2 points. The Clippers held an
eight point led with 58 seconds remaining with the Knights hit consecutive
treys to close the gap.
Watkins returned to
double-double form with 15 rebounds and Taylor notched another double-double
with 11 rebounds. Gilbert finished the afternoon with 5 assists and a season
high 7 steals. The team dished out 14 assists on 22 made field goals.
The Clippers will return
to Del Val League play on Tuesday, February 4th when the travel to Glenolden to
take on the Interboro Bucs. Chester will be seeking to complete their 3rd
consecutive undefeated Del Val League season. JV will tip-off at 5:30, not the
usual 6:00 start time, and the Varsity will follow.
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