Chester boys basketball (15-4) defeats Academy Park

This game started on January 7, 2014 at Academy Park High School and was halted at 5:31 in the 2nd quarter due to a fire at school with the score, Academy Park - 26, Chester - 18. The game was completed on Wednesday, February 5, 2014.

January 7, 2014 - The Clippers found themselves down early as the Academy Park Knights were hitting from all over the floor. Chester put up 16 points in the 1st quarter led by Tyrell Sturdivant (5) and Conrad Chambers (4). But, it was not enough to offset the 24 points from the Knights. The second quarter began with the teams exchanging baskets when a jump ball was called at the 5:31 mark giving possession to Academy Park. It was then the Fire Alarm sounded and the gym was emptied and the game eventually postponed.

February 5, 2014 - After a twenty-eight day delay including a rescheduling due to snow, the game was finally ready to be played. The delay had no affect on the Knights shooting as they connected on yet another trey to start the contest. The Clippers found themselves looking up at yet another 20 points deficit mid-way through the 2nd quarter before Chester's Conrad Chambers produced 6 of his career high 18 points to start a mini-run just before the half. At the intermission the Clippers trailed by 15 points: Chester - 28, Academy Park - 43. The Clippers used a mixture of youth and veterans in the 3rd quarter to get back into the contest. Freshman Jamar Sudan teamed with junior Keyonte Watkins and seniors Chambers, Mahir Johnson and Sturdivant to produce their run. The Clippers produced a 16-3 run before the Knights called timeout at 2:32 leading by just a basket at 46-44. Chester's defensive pressure limited their opponents to just 8 points with 3 made field goals while adding 19 points of their own. End of the third: Chester - 47, Academy Park - 51. Chester opened the fourth quarter with a 9-4 run over the first minute and 50 seconds to take the lead 56-55 at the 6:10 mark. The Clippers were clutch at the line in the final period hitting on 10 of 11 free throw attempts to seal the victory.  Mahir Johnson lead the way with 23 points and Sturdivant joined his teammates in double figures with 16 points. Jamar Sudan and Keyonte Watkins each added 6 points all in the second half. Gabe Adesina and Marquis Collins chimed in with two points apiece.

Chester record now stands at 15-4 overall and 7-2 in league action.

Terry Thomas