By Terry Thomas
Chester ends 2022 at 4-4 after losing 75-60 to
the Lower Merion Aces (8-1) at the Pete Nelson Classic. The Clippers started
strong in the first quarter, holding a 16-6 lead as the quarter
closed. Kyree Womack, Terrence Cobb and Calvin Williams each contributed 4
points. Dante Atkinson and Jerry Young completed the scoring with 2 points
apiece. Chester limited their turnovers to two and played solid defense
resulting in single digit scoring for the Aces.
The Clippers returned to form
in the second quarter committing eight turnovers that the Aces converted to
points. Chester relinquished their lead and entered intermission tied at 27.
They were outscored 21-11 in the quarter.
Chester's mishaps continued
into the third quarter. The Aces ran off the first five points of the quarter
for a 32-27 lead before Chester scored a foul shot with 5:32 to play, Chester -
28, Lower Merion - 32. The Clippers continued turning the ball over to the Aces
who took complete control of the quarter. I appeared as if every-other Chester
possession resulted in a turnover and a basket by the Aces. Chester was
outscored 29-8 in the crucial third quarter of play. Chester entered the final
quarter trailing 35-56.
The Clippers continued to fight
in the fourth quarter led by junior Dominic Toy who scored all 14 of his points
in the period. However, Chester could get no closer than 15 points by
outscoring the Aces 25-19 in the quarter.
Kyree Womack led a trio of
Clippers in double-figures with 16 followed by Toy's 14, Terrence Cobb with 12.
Dante Atkinson starting in place of Brielynd White recorded 8 points. Calvin
Williams scored 6 points and tied his career high with 10 rebounds. Jasier
Thompson and Jerry Young completed the scoring with 2 points apiece.
Chester will return to action on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 when Philadelphia's Overbrook visits the Clip Joint. The JV game will tip-off at 5:30 pm with the Varsity to follow. The Clippers will be at home for their next three games on January 3, 5 and 7.