Chester School District is launching a long-term Strategic Plan, and your voice matters. As part of this process, we are conducting a Community Survey to gather valuable input from parents, employees, board members, and community members.
Your feedback will help guide our priorities, shape district goals, and strengthen the future of our schools.
📝 Please take a few minutes to complete the survey:
🔗 https://forms.gle/ZnSEDCqxxYnSjP1J8
📱 Or scan the QR code in the image attached to this post!
The survey is open to all stakeholders—including parents, staff, students, alumni, business owners, and residents who want to be part of shaping our future.
Thank you for being an important part of Chester CUSD 139’s continued growth and success.
#ChesterCUSD139 #StrategicPlanning #CommunityEngagement #YourVoiceMatters #TogetherWeGrow
Join us at the February 6th, Chester vs. Redbud basketball game as we host a food drive in support of our Just 4 Jacket's Pantry!
This pantry helps provide meals and grab-and-go snacks for students in need at CHS.
As a thank you, everyone who donates will receive a voucher for a FREE bag of popcorn.
Please see the flyer attached for a list of needed items and additional details.
Thank you for helping support our students!
🏀 ¡Colecta de Alimentos de CHS en el partido de baloncesto Chester vs. Red Bud! 🏀
¡Acompáñanos el 6 de febrero en el partido de baloncesto Chester vs. Red Bud mientras realizamos una colecta de alimentos para apoyar nuestra Despensa Just 4 Jacket’s!
Esta despensa ayuda a proporcionar comidas y refrigerios para llevar a estudiantes de CHS que lo necesitan.
Como agradecimiento, todas las personas que donen recibirán un vale para una bolsa de palomitas GRATIS.
Por favor, consulta el volante adjunto para ver la lista de artículos necesarios y más detalles.
¡Gracias por ayudar a apoyar a nuestros estudiantes!
Chester performers wow 3,670 Saluki fans as Salukis dismantle Northern Iowa Panthers, 65-50
BY JIM BEERS
Keeping in step with the “Chester Night” theme for the evening, more than 100 local Chester fans attended the event to watch the Salukis battle the UNI Panthers including the Chester High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team, the Chester Grade School Girls Basketball Team, the CHS Dance Team, as well as parents and other local Saluki fans.
The Southern Illinois University Intercollegiate Athletics Department and Thomas Becker, MBA, Interim Assistant Athletic Director of Ticketing, offered special discounted ticket prices for Chester fans attending the game.
Becker was very pleased with the turnout from Chester fans and the performance of the CHS Dance Team. Becker said, “The turnout was great! I hope we can continue to have a ‘Chester Night’ event for not only basketball but other Saluki sports. We love having Chester fans in the seats to help support the Salukis and I want to continue that relationship with the people of Chester.”
It was also “Autism Awareness Night” at the SIU game and Papa John’s Pizza and SIU made a contribution of $5,500.00 to the Center for Autism and Spectrum Disorders. The CGS Girls Basketball Team had a good time going down to the court to greet the SIU players as they were introduced in pre-game activities. The CHS Dance Team also had to opportunity to go the court and sit along the baseline to cheer the Salukis for a while.
A huge highlight to end the game was a big Saluki win! The Dawgs won by 15 points, 65-50, over the UNI Panthers. The win broke a 4-game losing streak for the Salukis and improved their record to 9-12 overall and 3-7 in the MVC.
Hopefully the winning spirit will continue as the Dawgs finish-up the 2025-26 regular season and head to St. Louis for the 2026 MVC Basketball Tournament, Arch Madness, March 5-8, at the Enterprise Center. It was fun for Chester fans to be a part of the big win over UNI on “Chester Night”, and a great opportunity for the CHS Dance Team to perform in front of 3,670 fans, their biggest crowd of the year. The game was also televised on ESPN.
PHOTO 4
The Chester High School Dance Team is coached by Head Coach Adrianne Kern (Far Left) and Assistant Coaches Bailey Misuraca and Emily Roth (Far Right). The coaches joined the dancers for a team photo just before the group took the floor at the SIU Banterra Center for the halftime performance of the SIU vs UNI basketball game. The group danced a mixed Jazz and Hip-Hop routine to the tune, "Hey Baby" by Pit Bull. The performance brought the house down as the CHS dancers received a fantastic round of applause for their efforts! Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 5
The CHS Dance Team finishes their performance at the Southern Illinois University game Wednesday January 28. The event was the "Chester Night" game when the SIU Salukis hosted the University of Northern Iowa Panthers. The Chester girls performed a mixed routine of jazz and hip-hop to the Pit Bull song, "Hey Baby". The performance was very well received by the 3,670 Saluki fans in attendance which included approximately 100 Chester fans who came to the game to support the Salukis and the CHS Dance Team. The game was also televised on ESPN. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 6
Most of the more than 100 Chester fans who attended the 2026 "Chester Night" basketball game at SIU Carbondale Wednesday January 28, got to sit together in Section 113 behind the basket by the Saluki bench. The crowd had a great time seeing the CHS Dance Team perform at halftime and watching the Salukis Beat Northern Iowa, 65-50, in a Missouri Valley Conference game. Attendance at the game was 3,670 and the game was televised on ESPN. Jim Beers Photo
Chester performers wow 3,670 Saluki fans as Salukis dismantle Northern Iowa Panthers, 65-50
BY JIM BEERS
Wednesday January 28 was “Chester Night” at the SIU Banterra Center when Southern Illinois hosted the University of Northern Iowa Panthers in a Missouri Valley Conference game of basketball. The guest performers for the halftime show were the Chester High School Dance Team members and the 3,670 fans in attendance thoroughly enjoyed the performance.
For many years the CHS Dance Team has been invited to perform at halftime of one of the SIU home basketball games. CHS Head Dance Coach, Adrianne Kern said, “The girls were very excited. I was happy with their performance! SIU was very welcoming and the current SIU-Carbondale Chancellor, Austin A. Lane, even came over and took a picture with the girls.”
Kern said that the CHS Dance Team performed a mixed routine of jazz and hip-hop to the tune of “Hey Baby” by Pit Bull. The entire group of 3, 670 people in attendance appeared to get into the performance as evidenced by the huge round of applause at the completion of the dance.
The SIU Saluki Shakers Dance Team, who just returned from a major collegiate competition at Disney World, and the SIU Saluki Cheerleading Squad, both sat on the floor in front of the scorer’s table and watched in support of the Chester dancers. The expressions of delight on their faces appeared to demonstrate approval college spirit teams of the CHS Dancer’s performance.
The CHS dance Team includes Seniors Annah Helvey-Ahring, Hayden Cartwright, Megan Zimmer, and Southern LaChance; Juniors Aubrey Petrowske, Macy Van Zandt, and Katie Werner; Sophomores Jaden Bert, Grace Irose, and Justice Mattingly; and Freshmen Peyton Moll and Kennedy Nortin. The CHS Dance Team is coached by Adrianne Kern, Head Coach. She is assisted by Bailey Misuraca and Emily Roth.
The team has recently finished 1st at the Belleville East Open Pom Competition and 1st in Jazz at the Herrin Competition. Coach Kern said, “The girls have been competing extremely well and are improving at every competition. Our seniors are showing amazing leadership and our underclassmen are really stepping up. We are still working towards qualifying for the State Competition in both Jazz and Open Pom.”
Photo 1
The Chester High School Dance Team poses for a picture just prior to taking the floor at the SIU Banterra Center Wednesday January 28. The group performed for the halftime entertainment of the SIU vs Northern Iowa game. The team consists of Seniors Hannah Helvey-Ahring, Hayden Cartwright, Megan Zimmer, and Southern LaChance; Juniors Aubrey Petrowske, Macy Van Zandt, and Katie Werner; Sophomores Jaden Bert, Grace Irose, and Justice Mattingly; and Freshmen Peyton Moll and Kennedy Nortin. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 2
The Chester High School Varsity Boys' Basketball Team made the trip to SIU-Carbondale for the "Chester Night" performance of the CHS Dance Team Wednesday January 28. They had already made arrangements to attend the game to watch the Salukis take on the Northern Iowa Panthers and then got the extra bonus of getting to see their fellow classmates perform for the halftime entertainment. The boys had a great time and had the opportunity to witness the Salukis play one of their best games of the season in the 65-50 win over the Panthers. CHS Head Coach, Coach Chris Toledo, and his Assistant Coaches, Tony James, and Nick Severs accompanied the boys to the game. Jim Beers Photo
Photo 3
The Chester Grade School Girl's Basketball Team attended the SIU vs UNI Basketball game to Southern Illinois University Wednesday January 28 when the Salukis hosted the Panthers from the University of Northern Iowa. They were accompanied by coaches and parents. The girls had a great tine at the event and had the opportunity to go down on the Banterra Center floor for the pre-game introduction of both team's starters. The "Chester Night" event was a huge success as the girls also had the opportunity to watch the CHS Dance Team perform for the halftime entertainment, as well as watching the SIU-C Salukis dismantle the Northern Iowa Panthers, 65-50. Jim Beers Photo.
The deadline for the Randolph County startUP program has been extended to February 11th.
Questions, contact:
Jill Miesner Director of Student Services
Chester High School
(618) 826-2302 ext. 2209
jillmiesner@chester139.com
EXTENSIÓN DEL PROGRAMA startUP DEL CONDADO DE RANDOLPH DE CHS
La fecha límite para el programa startUP del Condado de Randolph ha sido extendida hasta el 11 de febrero.
Preguntas, comuníquese con:
Jill Miesner
Directora de Servicios Estudiantiles
Chester High School
(618) 826-2302 ext. 2209
jillmiesner@chester139.com
At this time, buses are unable to safely access Highland Acres Mobile Home Park. Students who normally board there will need to come up to the street to one of the following pickup locations:
• Corner of Sycamore & Brenda Street
• Corner of West Holmes & Brenda Street
Thank you for your understanding and flexibility as we work to keep everyone safe.
For safety reasons, we kindly ask that individuals refrain from sledding on the football field.
However, if you’re looking for a great spot, the hill by the track is available and safe for sledding.
Mott, Diskey, Stumpe, and Caby score in double figures
BY JIM BEERS
Down the stretch, CHS opened the 4th quarter with a 7-0 run in the first three minutes of the period. Lillian Diskey, Jessica Stumpe, and Lexi Mott each hit baskets and Marlie Caby sank a free throw. Chester led by 34 points, 62-28. There was a running clock after Chester achieved a 30-point lead.
At the 2:40 mark Steeleville scored two points when Corinne Mueller sank two free throws. With 1:46 on the clock, Bailey Cole connected for a 2-pointer. To close out the game, and a 6-0 run, Teagen Patterson knocked down a field goal with .50 on the clock, to give the Lady Warriors 34 points. Chester won the game by 28 points, 62-34.
Steeleville had all seven of its players score in the game. Bailey Cole led the Lady Warriors with 16 points. Lily Hepp and Karsen Wedemeyer each added four points apiece. Lynlee Rubach and Hillari Cowan each scored two points apiece. Steeleville made 11-of-19 free throws (58%). They also added 10 two-pointers and one 3-pointer.
Coach Cowan mentioned that his leading scorer, Rylan Reiss, was injured and was unable to play in the game. Steeleville came to Chester with only seven players including two juniors, three sophomores, and two freshmen.
The Lady Jackets had four players score in double figures including Lexi Mott, Lillian Diskey, Jessica Stumpe, and Marlie Caby. Lexi Mott led all scorers on either team with 23 points. Lillian Diskey added 15 points. Jessica Stumpe and Marlie Caby each contributed 11 points apiece. Aubrey Coleman rounded out the Lady Jacket’s scoring with two points. The Jackets also shot (58% from the free throw line (11-of-19). They drained three 3-pointers and 21 two-pointers.
In the win, Natalie Guetersloh saw playing time in all four quarters and contributed to the win. She had some key rebounds and played good defense in her time on the floor. Kinley Davitz, a freshman, saw ample playing time and was not hesitant to mix it up with the upper classmen. Kenna Thompson, a sophomore, also entered the game in the 3rd and 4th quarters.
With the win, Chester improved to an overall record of 12 wins and 10 losses. In the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division the Lady Jackets have 2 wins and 3 losses.
Next up for the Lady Jackets are two home games. Thursday January 29 CHS hosts Cahokia Conference rival, Okawville, and Saturday January 31 Carterville comes to CHS Colbert Memorial Gymnasium for a non-conference game.
Including the Lady Jacket Mid-Winter Classic, the Lady Jackets finish with 10 home games and just four on the road. The Jackets are currently in the middle of an 8-game home schedule vs one away game which has already passed at Red Bud. The team has already completed 10 weeks of a 13-week regular season.
PHOTO 1
Marlie Caby (35) a sophomore, was one of four Lady Jacket basketball players to score in double figures Thursday January 22 when Chester hosted Steeleville. Caby scored 11 points and did a great job of handling the basketball. Miss Caby worked her way into the starting lineup this season when senior Riley Lochhead broke her leg. Caby had done an excellent job going up against upper classmen night-after night. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 2
Lillian Diskey (21), a CHS senior, was Chester's second-leading scorer in the win over Steeleville Thursday January 22. The Jackets won, 62-34, over the Lady Warriors, partly due to Diskey's 15-point effort and scrappy play and hustle on the court. Over her four years at CHS Diskey has been one of the most improved players of not the most improved player. She now excels in both offense and defense\e and is a leader on the court. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 3
The Chester High School Lady Jacket Basketball seniors have stepped-up their level of play this senior season. Both athletically and via leadership skills on the court, these six seniors have made a lasting impression on a successful season. Pictured (left to right) are Lillian Diskey, Jessica Stumpe, Lexi Mott, Riley Lochhead, Natalie Guetersloh, and Aubrey Coleman. These young ladies have seven more regular season games, four of which are at home at Chester High School, in Colbert Memorial Gymnasium, on Rocky Bridges Court. In addition, they will compete in the 2026 IHSA Regional Basketball Tournament. Jim Beers
Mott, Diskey, Stumpe, and Caby score in double figures
BY JIM BEERS
The Chester Lady Jackets hosted the Steeleville Lady Warriors Thursday January 22 in a non-conference match-up. There was no Junior Varsity game. The start time was therefor moved up to 6:00 p.m.
The Jackets flew out to a 14-1 lead at the 4:03 mark. In that opening run Lexi Mott scored 4 points. Lillian Diskey knocked down a trey and a deuce, Marley Caby drained a 3-pointer, and Aubrey Coleman made a basket. Steeleville’s Bailey Cole hit a free throw for the Warrior’s only point.
To close out the first quarter Jessica Stumpe, Lexi Mott, and Marlie Caby each scored a basket apiece. Lily Hepp scored two points and 1:14 to play in the period, Bailey Cole hit a layup, was fouled, and made her free throw to complete the three-point play. Chester led, 20-6 after one quarter.
Steeleville opened the second quarter with a 3-pointer by Bailey Cole to bring Steeleville within 11 points 20-9. Chester’s Lexi Mott made a free throw at 7:21, and Steeleville’s Lynlee Rubach answered with a free throw at 7:26. CHS led, 23-10.
Neither team scored until the 5:32 mark when Lexi Mott sank back-to-back free throws. Jessica Stumpe followed with a basket at 4:38 to extend Chester’s lead to 27-10, after the 7-4 opening run by CHS.
Hillary Cowan came into the game and scored a bucket and was fouled. She drained her free throw and Steeleville trailed by 17 points, 27-10 with 4:20 to play in the first half. Marlie Caby answered Cowan’s performance with a basket after which Steeleville’s Karsen Wedemeyer hit a 2-pointer to get Steeleville within 14 points, 29-13, at the 3:35 mark. With 3:30 remaining Chester called a time out.
Neither team scored in the next two minutes. Steeleville then called a time out at the 1:43 mark. After the time out, Chester’s Jessica Stumpe hit a basket with 1:12 left and Steeleville’s Lynlee Rubach was fouled while shooting and made both of her free throws. Chester led, 31-17.
To close out the half. Chester’s Marlie Caby knocked down her second 3-pointer of the game and Steeleville’s Bailey Cole hit a 2-pointer, was fouled and made her free throw. Chester led, 34-20, with .29 on the clock. The Lady Jackets weren’t done yet, however, as Lexi Mott hit a bucket at the buzzer to extend Chester’s lead to 16 points, 36-20 at halftime.
After halftime, Chester used a 19-6 run to pretty much put the game away. An opening run of, 8-0, put Chester up, 44-20 at the 5:53 mark. Steeleville called a time out at that point. Lexi Mott started that run with a basket just 30-seconds into the 3rd quarter. Lillian Diskey then unleashed a 6-0 run of her own when she stole the ball three times in-a-row, drove the length of the floor three times, and made three consecutive running layups.
A 5-2 Chester run extended the lead to 49-22 at the 2:13 mark. During that run, Lexi Mott hit a bucket, Lillian Diskey scored two points and Jessica Stumpe made a free throw. Lily Hepp scored Steeleville’s two points.
At the 1:39 mark, Lily Hepp struck again and knocked down another 2-pointer. CHS led, 49-24. Chester’s Lexi Mott scored all six of Chester’s final points of the 3rd quarter on four free throws and a 2-pointer. Steeleville’s Corinne Mueller hit a bucket at 1:05 and Bailey Cole made a pair pf free throws with just .07 on the clock. CHS led by 27 points, 55-28, after three quarters of play.
Congratulations to the winner of the CHS local round of Poetry Out Loud 2026.
Revolution Chaput won the first place title and will compete with runner-up Brodie Mattingly in the regional competition. The next round of Poetry Out Loud is in Carbondale at ArtSpace 304 on February 14. All friends, family, and poetry fans are invited to attend.
CHS Dance Team will perform at SIU Basketball game Wednesday January 28 (2 of 2)
SIU is offering great ticket deals for Chester fans wanting to attend the game!
BY JIM BEERS
“Since there has been so much great interest in both Saluki Basketball as well as the CHS Dance Team performance, I have received permission to offer all Chester fans the opportunity to take advantage of special ticket pricing for the game!”
“I have also received approval to offer ANY “K-12 school groups”, such as ball teams, organizations, and clubs, a really great $5.00 ticket price. Coaches and sponsors can receive the $10.00 ticket price which is approximately a 45% discount.”
Seats are located in Section 113 which is in the bleachers behind the basket on the end of the Banterra Center by the Saluki team bench. Any fans that prefer chairback seats can get discounted chairback seats in the corner near that area for just $20.00. That is still a nice discounted price for chairback seats. Anyone wanting seats in any other area of the Banterra Center is welcome to purchase tickets at the regular price via the Saluki Ticket office.
To purchase the discounted tickets, go to: siutickets.evenue.net/promotions/CHESTER. Once there, you can select your tickets with the following ticket options. The “3 POINT PACKAGE” includes discounted bleacher seats in Section 113 for $10.00 each. The “MAROON PACKAGE” offers discounted “lower bowl corner chair backseats” for just $20.00 each.
To take advantage of the “K-12 School Group” $5.00 ticket deals, group leaders must reach out to THOMAS BECKER! By phone please call: (618) 453-5758. Via e-mail use: Thomas.becker@siu.edu. Please note, the $5.00 ticket deal is open to just the K-12 STUDENTS in a club, organization, or team. Coaches and/or Sponsors will pay the $10.00 discounted ticket price.
In Chester, the “school group” deals apply to Chester School District #139 schools, including Chester High School, Chester Grade School or the Chester Early Childhood Center. Also invited are St. Mary’s Catholic Grade School and St. John Lutheran Grade School.
Wednesday night will be “Autism Awareness Night” at SIU and there will be numerous special activities offered at the game. Students can register to take part in various time-out games and contests.
There is a wide variety of food and beverages available. The SIU Pep Band will perform throughout the game and the Saluki Shaker Dance Team and Saluki Cheerleaders will perform throughout the game.
Of course, the special entertainment feature will be at the halftime of the game when the Chester High School Dance Team will perform!
For more information, please contact Thomas Becker at SIU (618) 453-5758 or Dr. Jim Beers in Chester (618) 615-2721.
Photo 1
The Chester High School Dance Team, under the direction of Head Coach Adrianne Kern, will perform Wednesday January 28 at Southern Illinois University when the Salukis host the University of Northern Iowa Panthers. The team will perform at halftime of the game. Pictured are team members Hayden Cartwright, Annah Helvey Ahring, Southern LaChance, Megan Zimmer, Aubrey Petrowske, Macy VanZandt, Katie Werner, Jden Bert, Grace Irose, Justice Mattingly, Peyton Moll, and Kennedy Nortin. Coach Kern is assisted by Bailey Misuraca and Emily Roth. Tickets to the event are now available online for those interested in going along to support the team and/or the Salukis. Photo provided by Coach Kern
CHS Dance Team will perform at SIU Basketball game Wednesday January 28 (1 of 2)
SIU is offering great ticket deals for Chester fans wanting to attend the game!
BY JIM BEERS
Wednesday January 28 the Southern Illinois University Salukis host the Northern Iowa University Panthers in a Missouri Valley Conference matchup at the Banterra Center on the campus of SIU-C. The contest will be an early start at 6:00 p.m.
Some time ago, the Chester High School Dance Team, under the direction of Adrianne Kern, agreed to perform at halftime of the game, as they have done for the past several years. This gives the CHS dancers the opportunity to perform on a much bigger stage in addition to experiencing performing for a Division I basketball crowd.
The CHS Dance Team includes seniors Annah Helvey-Ahring, Hayden Cartwright, Megan Zimmer, and Southern LaChance, juniors Aubrey Petrowske, Macy VanZandt, and Katie Werner, sophomores, Jaden Bert, Grace Irose, and Justice Mattingly, and freshmen, Peyton Moll and Kennedy Nortin. The Dance Team is coached by Head Coach, Adrianne Kern. She is assisted by Bailey Misuraca and Emily Roth.
Recently the Dance Team finished 1st in the Belleville East Open Pom Competition and 1st in Jazz at Herrin. Coach Adrianne Kern said, “The girls have been competing extremely well and are improving at every competition. Our seniors are showing amazing leadership and our underclassmen are really stepping up.”
“We are still working towards qualifying for the State Competition in both Jazz and Open Pom. The team will compete in the IHSA Sectional on January 24th in Herrin. In that competition Chester will take the floor at 10:00 a.m. The girls will also return to CHS Colbert Gymnasium on Rocky Bridges Court on Tuesday January 27th when the Chester YellowJackets host the Carterville Lions.”
It turns out that the Chester High School Boys Basketball team has also scheduled a team trip to SIU on Wednesday January 28 to watch the Salukis take on the UNI Panthers. This trip was planned independently prior to knowing that the CHS Dance Team would be performing at halftime if that game.
Numerous supporters of the CHS Dance Team and YellowJacket Boys Basketball Team have already arranged to travel to Carbondale to watch the Salukis play Northern Iowa and help support both the Dance Team in their halftime performance and to support the basketball program trip.
Southern Illinois University Intercollegiate Athletes and Thomas Becker, MBA, Interim Assistant Athletic Director of Ticketing, have decided to offer special ticket deals to anyone else wishing to attend the game on Wednesday January 28th at 6:00 p.m.
Becker said, “We are very happy to have both the CHS Dance Team and the CHS Basketball Team join us for the SIU vs UNI game Wednesday January 28. We love having fans in the seats and numerous Chester fans have already made arrangements to attend.”
Photo 1
The Chester High School Dance Team, under the direction of Head Coach Adrianne Kern, will perform Wednesday January 28 at Southern Illinois University when the Salukis host the University of Northern Iowa Panthers. The team will perform at halftime of the game. Pictured are team members Hayden Cartwright, Annah Helvey Ahring, Southern LaChance, Megan Zimmer, Aubrey Petrowske, Macy VanZandt, Katie Werner, Jden Bert, Grace Irose, Justice Mattingly, Peyton Moll, and Kennedy Nortin. Coach Kern is assisted by Bailey Misuraca and Emily Roth. Tickets to the event are now available online for those interested in going along to support the team and/or the Salukis. Photo provided by Coach Kern
SIU has made discounted endzone bleacher tickets or the discounted corner chairback tickets available to the January 28th Men's Basketball Game vs. University of Northern Iowa at the following link:
https://siutickets.evenue.net/promotions/CHESTER
CECC, CGS y CHS: CHESTER A BALONCESTO SIU SALUKI
SIU ha puesto a disposición entradas con descuento en las gradas de la zona de anotación o asientos con respaldo en la esquina, también con descuento, para el partido de baloncesto masculino del 28 de enero contra la Universidad del Norte de Iowa, en el siguiente enlace:
https://siutickets.evenue.net/promotions/CHESTER
PHOTO 1
Chester's TaShawn Palacio sinks two free throws at the 1:13 mark of the 3rd Quarter to give the YellowJackets a 51-25 lead in the Semi-Final game vs Saxony Lutheran. In the win, Palacio scored 12 points and was a key defensive player for the Jackets. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 2
Chester's Trey McCartney (32) prepares to make his move late in the game against the Saxony Lutheran Crusaders. The YellowJackets won, 58-29, to advance to the 62nd Annual Chester Invitational Tournament Championship game. In the win, McCartney led all players from either team with a total of 19 points. Fifteen of those 19 points came from five 3-poninters. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 3
Tallen James (10) prepares to launch another 3-pointer against the Saxony Lutheran Crusaders Thursday January 15 in the CIT Semi-Final game. James contributed a total of 8 points in the YellowJacket's 58-29 win. Six of his points came from two 3-pointyers, In the win, the Jackets scored 36 of their 58 points from 12 three pointers. Jim Beers Photo
Photo 4
The Chester High School Dance Team, under the direction of Head Coach Adrianne Kern, performed a Pom Pom routine Thursday January 15 at the CIT Semi-Final game when Chester hosted Saxony. The high-energy routine had basketball fans on the edge of their seats throughout the entire performance. The CHS Dance Team will make a special guest performance Wednesday January 28 at Southern Illinois University when the SIU Salukis host the University of Northern Iowa in a Missouri Valley Conference game. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 1
Three Chester Yellowjacket Basketball players were selected to the 2926 CIT All-Tournament Team. Pictured (left to right) are Tallen James (10), Trey McCartney (32) and TaShawn Palacio (21). James had 32 points in the 3-day tournament. McCartney (holding the 2026 CIT Championship Trophy) was the 62nd Annual Chester Invitational Tournament CIT Most Valuable Player. He led all players in the tournament in scoring with 56 points. Palacio scored 41 points in the three-game event. These three YellowJacket player helped win the tournament with an undefeated 3-0 record. Christy James Photo
PHOTO 2
The Chester High School YellowJacket Basketball Team won the 2026 CIT with wins over Valmeyer, 64-30; Saxony Lutheran, 58-29; and New Athens, 59-51. Pictured (left to right) are Mitchell Liter (23), Jaden Ramirez (11), Zane Eggemeyer (33), Kale Sprengel (15), Trey Peters (13) ( with trophy), Rusty Korando (2), TaShawn Palacio (21), (All-Tournament Team), Reed Fricke (55), Trey McCartney (32) (MVP, All-Tournment Team), Tallen James (10) (All-Tournament Team), Kross Jany (12), and Paxton Beam (44). The YellowJackets are coached by Chris Toledo. He is assisted by Nick Severs, Tony James, and Bryce Bainter. Christy James Photo
PHOTO 3
Following the presentation of the 2026 CIT Championship Trophy to the Chester High School YellowJackets, the team posed for this photo with the 2026 CHS Cheerleaders and Student Cheer Section. Student support was exceptional throughout the entire three-game YellowJacket competitions at the tournament. Christy James Photo
PHOTO 4
The 2025-26 Chester High Schol YellowJacket Basketball Team and Coaches pose with the Championship Trophy following the presentation of the All-Tournament Team and the Tournament MVP. The Jackets beat New Athens Saturday January 17, 59-51 to win the 2026 title. CHS had three All-Tournament Team members one of which was the 2026 Tournament MVP. Payers include Mitchell Liter, Jaden Ramirez, Zane Eggemeyer, Kale Sprengel, Tray Peters, Rusty Korando, TaShawn Palacio (All-Tournament Team), Reed Fricke, Trey McCartney (MVP & All-Tournament Team), Tallen James (All-Tournament Team), Kross Jany, and Paxton Beam. The Jackets are coached by Chris Toledo. He is assisted by Nick Severs, Tony James, and Bryce Bainter. Christy James Photo
PHOTO 5
The Chester High School Pep Band, under the direction of Steve Colonel, performs at the 2026 Chester Invitational Tournament (CIT) Championship game Saturday January 17. The band performed at all three Chester games throughout the tournament and definitely provided much energy and motivation for the YellowJackets. Apparently, the band's lively music and spirit-making psid off because the YellowJackets won the tournament. This performance was the final night of the CIT and the FINAL CIT performance for Mr. Colonel as he will be retiring at the end of the 2026 school year, Christy James Photo
