Clippers Opens 2021-22 Season With a "W"

 By Terry Thomas

The Chester Clippers win their season opener on the road 74-56 over host J.P. McCaskey. Coach Taylor is now 3-0 against the Red Tornadoes. The Clippers received treys from senior Qadir Lowrie and sophomore Kevin Rucker and was perfect from the charity stripe, 6 of 6, to stay within one of McCaskey 12-13 at the end of the first quarter. Sophomore Larenzo Jerkins was 4 of 4 and Rucker 2 of 2 from the foul line. Qadir Lowrie caught fire in the 2nd quarter scoring 12 of his 19 including 5 of 6 from the free throw line. Senior Olayinka "Yanks" Itabiyi contributed 5 of his 7 points, junior Breilynd White knocked down a trey and Rucker hit on his two free throws. Jerkins added two more to his total and senior Lenny Camacho connected on 1 of 2 free throw as the Clippers put up 25 second quarter points for a 37-25 advantage at the half. 

Sophomore Kevin Rucker led the way in the second half scoring 14 of his team and career high 21 points to secure the win. Seven Clippers combined for 24 fourth quarter points to sail away from the Red Tornadoes. Rucker and Jerkins each contributed 6 points and senior Isaiah Freeman chipped in 4 of his 6 points. They were joined by Lowrie with 4, Itabiyi's two with White and Camacho each adding one for Chester's final points.

Sophomore Larenzo Jerkins contributed his first double-double with career highs of 15 points and 10 rebounds. Isaiah Freeman matched his career high of 10 rebounds.

Chester returns to action on Tuesday, December 14th when the Chester Charter Scholars Academy visit the Clip Joint for the "City Championship". The JV game will tip-off at 5:00 pm with the Varsity to follow.

 JV GAME SUMMARY

Chester battled but fell short 51-57 to J.P. McCaskey. Trailing by two at the half, 26-28, the Clippers couldn't find their mark and fell behind 33-40 at the end of the third quarter. They closed the gap to 49-53 with just under a minute to play but couldn't secure an offensive rebound down the stretch.  

Hamza Clay-Goudelock led the way with 16 points followed by Dallas Thompson's 12 points. Tashon Gibson contributed 8 points, followed by Nazir Berry (6), Andre Brown (5) and Emmanuel Smith's 4 points.