Clippers Return to District Tournament

By Terry Thomas

After missing the District Tournament for the first time in the last 53 years, Chester made its presence felt opening with wins over familiar foes Plymouth Whitemarsh and Coatesville. By virtue of their earning the 4th seed in the Tournament; they were awarded a first-round bye.

The 13th seeded Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials earned their way for a trip down the Blue Route to face the Clippers at the Clip Joint. The second-round game was played on Tuesday, February 20. Chester turned up the defensive pressure in the second quarter reversing a 10-15 first quarter deficit into a 27-24 half-time lead. The young Colonials bounced back to reclaim the lead 42-38 as the third quarter ended. The Clippers put on their patented fourth quarter press and sailed away with a 21-12 fourth quarter resulting in a 59-54 victory. Dominic Toy led the way with 13 points followed by Jaseir Thompson with 11 and Calvin Williams with 10 points. Dante Atkinson produced 8 points including a clutch 4 for 4 from the free-throw line in the fourth quarter. Daron Harris also scored 8 points in the contest, but it was his defensive presence that really made the difference.

With the win over Plymouth Whitemarsh, Chester secured a spot in the upcoming State Tournament. This will mark their 51st trip to the State Tournament.

On Friday, February 23, a rematch was set up for Chester and Coatesville. Coatesville, seeded 5th, got here with a victory over Cheltenham in their second-round contest. The game was highly anticipated as their previous contest ended abruptly with 1:35 remaining back on January 26. The Fred Pickett Jr Gymnasium "Clip Joint" was electric from start to finish in this second installment. Yes, the sequel was just as exciting as the original. The Clippers held on for a 67-64 victory.

Chester trailed 14-21 at the end of the first quarter and 34-26 at half-time. With every attempt the Clippers made to close the gap, the Red Raiders would respond with a short run of their own.

Chester was able to hold Coatesville to single digits in the third quarter and was within 3 points, 40-43, when the third quarter ended. The fourth quarter was all about the Chester "Press". It totally confused and rattled Coatesville resulting in numerous turnovers and easy baskets by the Clippers. Chester stretched their lead at one point in the quarter to 13 points, 61-48, with 1:29 play. Just as fast as the Clippers built their lead it began to vanish as Coatesville hit five consecutive 3-pointers. All of their treys were contested, they even hit one off the glass. Chester kept their composure and senior Dante Atkinson once again came through at the free-throw line going 4 for 4 to secure the win.

Jalen Harris led the way with 14 points including 9 during the fourth quarter push. Dominic Toy joined him in double figures with another 13-point game. Jaseir Thompson, Calvin Williams and Dante Atkinson each contributed 9 points in the game.