Chester juggernaut ends Rustin’s season In PIAA AAAA state tournament clash

has established itself as one of the recognized high school basketball programs in the state over the past few years, but Pennsylvania is a big place with a tradition of national class teams and great players. 

Chester is one of those elite teams and the Clippers just reload year after year.  They’ve got five state championship banners and may be the favorite to add the 2011 title after advancing in the PIAA AAAA state tournament Wednesday night with a 75-56 victory over Rustin at Norristown High School.

Former Chester star Jameer Nelson, the Orlando Magic point guard whose memorable career at St. Joseph’s is fondly remembered in the Delaware Valley, is part of that tradition.  His little brother, Maurice, was the star of the game for Chester last night, with 15 points and the kind of quickness that delivers points and opponent turnovers in bunches.

Corey Blake, Anthony Nash and Zach Butcher all had their moments for the Golden Knights and coach Keith Cochran’s team showed the toughness and resilience that defined this surprisingly accomplished season, but Chester’s relentless press and offensive rebounding eventually carried the day.

“It was a total team effort.  My guys left it all out on the floor,” stated Chester coach Larry Yarbray after the game.  “Rustin is a team with multiple 20 win seasons against quality teams.   And they have good athletes.  We weren’t coming in here with one eye closed.”

As usual, Rustin started strong, going up, 8-4, before Nelson keyed the first Chester spurt.  The Clippers were up, 19-12, after the first period and then 31-16 midway through the second before Blake came alive, cutting the margin to six at the half with a three point play.

Playing the final game of his career, Blake opened the second half with a long-range three to cut the margin in half but Church and Nelson got going again and the Chester lead was never less than nine the rest of the way.

The Rustin faithful in the capacity crowd got the chance to show their appreciation for the memorable, 25-5 season when Cochran cleared the bench in the final two minutes.

Nash led all scorers with 21 points in a performance that established him as one of the state’s top returning players for 2011-12.  Blake ended up with 11 points and Butcher scored eight in his final appearance. Latrell Shelton added four points for the Golden Knights , who hurt their chances to stay in the game by hitting only 15 of 36 free throws.

Lamon Church, one of a band of cat-quick rebounders who continually got Chester key second-chance baskets, had 17 points as the perennial powerhouse notched its 28th victory (23rd straight) against one loss .  All 10 Chester players scored in the game, illustrating Clippers’ depth, one of several reasons they may win it all.