Photo Credit: Digital First Media
By Matthew DeGeorge
Chester’s voyage to the PIAA Class 5A second round and a one-point loss to eventual state champion Abington Heights was powered by junior point guard Michael Smith, an All-Delco who averaged 15.6 points per game.
He’s back this year to lead a Clippers ship with a number of veterans returning for another season of Del Val League basketball.
Senior Rahmaad DeJarnette lost most of the season to a leg injury but averaged 8.2 points in the 11 games he was healthy to play. Rahmee Gilbert is a valuable backcourt piece, while Karell Watkins turned heads by averaging 8.4 points in 11 games since being called up from JV as a freshman. He, Zahmir Carroll, Javan Graham and Rahnel Sparks provide the foundation of a strong frontcourt rotation.
The other big addition is Akeem Taylor, the leading scorer for Chester Charter School for the Arts last season at 15.4 points per game and the nephew of coach Keith Taylor.