Clippers Run Aground in Reading

By Terry Thomas

Chester's (3-3) three-game winning streak came to an end, 57-71, on the road at the hands of the Reading (7-0) Red Knights. This was the 42^nd meeting between the schools and the series is now tied 21-21. 

The Clippers fell behind early as the home court was very beneficial for the Red Knights. Reading connected on their first four shots including three treys putting Chester in a 4-11 hole. Terrence Cobb responded with two treys to close the gap to 10-15 at the end of the first quarter. Kyree Womack and Cobb led the way in the second quarter scoring 6 and 5 points respectively keeping the Clippers in striking distance; but the Clippers still trailed at intermission, 23-29.

The Clippers continued to fight in the third quarter cutting the margin to four points on several occasions. With 52 seconds remaining in the quarter Terrence Cobb connected on his fifth trey of the night pulling the Clippers within four, 38-42. After a couple questionable calls, Coach Taylor was called for a technical four (the ref said he waved his arms) and the Clippers would get no closer the rest of the game. The third quarter ended with Chester trailing 38-46.

The Clippers did not go away quietly in the final eight minutes. Chester produced 19 fourth quarter points and the Reading did not feel secure in removing their starters until there was 1:41 on the clock. And even then, it was a whole-sale change, they were replaced one at a time. Cobb delivered 7 fourth quarter points including his 6^th trey of the night. Dante Atkinson connected on 5 of 6 free throws in the quarter and was 7 of 8 from the line for the game for his 7 points. Vince Coleman and Jaseir Thompson came off the bench for 3 and 2 points respectively.

Dominic Toy added 10 rebounds to go along with his two points. Calvin Williams chipped in with 3 points, 4 rebounds, 1 blocked shot and 1 assist and Kristian Chambers completed the scoring with 2 points.

The Clippers will return to action on Wednesday, December 28 in the Pete Nelson Holiday Classic on the campus of Widener. Chester will face District-1 foe Coatesville to close the evening, tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 pm.

JV GAME SUMMARY

Chester (3-1) suffered its first loss of the season, 49-52, at the hands of the Reading Red Knights. Andre Brown and Jaseir Thompson led the Clippers with 12 points apiece. Germain Glover finished with 8 points, Ra'Shaad Dorsey chipped in 7 and both Tashon Gibson and Kristian Chambers each scored four. Freshman Nyrell Pray completed the scoring with 2 points. Chester trailed 49-50 with 17.2 seconds left in the contest. Unfortunately, their shot fell short and Reading connected on two free throws to seal the win.

The JV team will return to action on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, when Philadelphia's Overbrook visits the Clip Joint. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.