Chester Wins in Winter Showcase

By Terry Thomas

Chester's backcourt leads the way in 57-47 triumph over the Delcastle Technical Cougars at the Winter Showcase in Wilmington, DE. Kyree Womack was high man for the Clippers with 20 points and game MVP Terrence Cobb complimented him with 18 points. The first quarter was a back-and-forth affair with Chester holding a slim 13-11 advantage after the first eight minutes. Both teams played solid defense forcing the other to work offensively to get a bucket.

The Clippers increased their defensive intensity opening the second quarter with a 12-0 outburst for a 25-11 lead with 3:27 to play. During the run, Cobb contributed 6 points, Womack and Dante Atkinson each drained a trey. The Cougars finally stopped the attack with a trey at the 3:05 mark. Womack answered with another trey keeping the margin at fourteen points, 28-14, with 2:55 to play. After a bucket from Calvin Williams, the Clippers returned to form closing the quarter with three consecutive turnovers. Chester led at intermission, 30-21.

The Clippers woes continued into the third quarter only managing to score 11 points thus allowing the Cougars to close the gap, 41-35. On this occasion, Chester just could not find the bottom of the net. Both the ball movement and shot selection were good but it seemed as though the rim had a cap on it. Cobb and Womack once again led the way with 5 and 4 points respectively and Dominic Toy added 2 points.

The Clippers started the final 8 minutes with a 6-2 spurt and after two free throws from Breilynd White, Chester lead was back to 10, 47-37, with 4:21 to play. Chester answered Delcastle's 4-0 sprint with a trey from White and two free throws from Cobb to push their lead to eleven, 52-41, with 1:29 left in the contest. The Clippers guards closed the contest connecting on 5 of 6 free throws to secure the win. In the closing minutes of the game Chester's back-court went 7 for 8 from the charity stripe upsetting the Delcastle game plan.

Dominic Toy finished the game with 7 points, followed by Brielynd White's 5 points and Dante Atkinson chipped in with 3 before leaving the game after taking an elbow to the lip. Junior Calvin Williams made the most of his second consecutive start with a career high 10 rebounds to go along with his 4 points, 2 steals and 1 blocked shot.

Today's win also marked a milestone for Coach Keith Taylor Sr as he became just the 7^th coach in Chester High's storied history to reach the 100-Win milestone. In just four games into his 6^th year at the helm, Coach Taylor has amassed a 100-28 record with a 78.1 winning percentage. While Coach Taylor would quickly give credit to his coaching staff and players for his success, we all know the ship can only stay afloat and on course with an outstanding Captain and Coach Taylor is that guy. Congratulation, Coach Taylor!

The Clippers will return to action at the Clip Joint on Monday, December 19 when Delaware's Thomas McKean visits the Fred Pickett Gymnasium. The JV will tip-off at 4:30 pm with the Varsity to follow. Please take note of the early start for the JV game.  Don't be late.