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
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
Saxony will play for 3rd Place
BY JIM BEERS
The rest of the second quarter the Jackets used a 14-11 run to head into the locker room with a 35-19 lead at halftime. Chester already had five three-pointers at the start of that run then added four more. Tray Peters (1), Trey McCartney (2), and Tallen James (1) made those four treys.
In the Crusader’s 11-point effort, James Hope (1), Zach Roth (2), Brayden Zoellner (3), and Baylor Wilson (2), combined to give Saxony another eight points. With just 6.9 seconds on the clock, Brayden Zoellner was fouled while attempting a 3-pointer. He missed the shot, but calmly sank back-to-back-to-back free throws to complete the Crusader’s 11-point finish. With 6.9 seconds on the clock, CHS led, 33-19.
Just when it seemed as if the half would end, Chester’s Trey McCartney drained a 2-pointer at the buzzer to boost the YellowJacket’s score to 35 points. At halftime, Chester led, by 16 points, 35-19. In the first half, Chester hit nine 3-pointers, including Trey McCartney (3), Tray Peters (3), Tallen James (2), and Zane Eggemeyer (1).
After the halftime break, the YellowJackets used a 16-6 run to further extend their lead to 26 points, 51-25.
The Crusaders started to second half with a basket by Sam Janet who came off the bench. The score was 35-21 at the 6:55 mark. CHS answered with back-to back baskets, one by TaShawn Palacio and the second by Zane Eggemeyer. Chester led, 39-21 at 5:59.
Saxony’s Brayden Zoellner made a bucket at 5:00 to give the Crusaders two more points, 39-23. Chester’s TaShawn Palacio answered with back-to-back hard moves to the hoop for four points. With 2:55 to play in the 3rd Quarter, CHS led 43-23. Just 34 seconds later, Trey McCartney drained a 3-pointer and extended the Chester lead to 23 points, 46-23. That completed a 7-0 run. At that point, Saxony called a time out!
Saxony came out of the time out and scored its 6th point of the quarter when Bryce Gaebler knocked down a shot at the 1:59 mark. The score was then, CHS 46-Saxony 25. Trey McCartney answered that bucket by draining his 5th 3-pointer of the game to further extend Chester’s lead to 24 points, 49-25 with 1:35 to play in the 3rd Quarter.
Chester defended the Crusader’s next possession, took the ball and scored two more points on back-to-back free throws by TaShawn Palacio. The 3rd Quarter ended with Chester leading by 26 points, 51-25.
The YellowJackets ended the game outscoring Saxony 7-4. During that run, Chester’s bench helped with the scoring duties as Trey McCartney began the period with a basket, Kale Sprengel knocked down a shot, and with just 25-seconds left on the clock, Jaden Ramirez connected for a 3-pointer to end the game! Chester won by 29 points, 58-29.
In the win, the YellowJackets scored a total of 12 three-pointers, led by Trey McCartney (5), Tray Peters (3), Tallen James (2), Zane Eggemeyer (1), and Jaden Ramirez (1). The Jackets had a total of seven players contribute to the 58 point total.
Two YellowJackets scored in double figures. Trey McCartney led all players with 19 points. TaShawn Palacio added 12 points. Tray Peters just missed double digits with nine points. Other contributors included Tallen James (8). Zane Eggemeyer (5), Jaden Ramirez (3), and Kale Sprengel (2). Chester only went to the free throw line twice making both (100%). For the game, CHS made 12 three pointers and 10 two-pointers. With the win, Chester improved to 8-11 overall and advanced to the 2026 CIT Championship game.
In the loss, the Crusaders were led by Brayden Zoellner who scored 13 points. He was followed by Zach Roth (6), Baylor Wilson (5), Bryce Gaebler (2), Simon May (2), and James Hope (1). The Crusaders made 7-of-8 free throws (88%). They also made two 3-pointers and eight 2-pointers.
The Championship Saturday (January 17th) Schedule is as follows:
Game 9 at 2:00 p.m. 7th Place Game: Lebanon vs Lovejoy
Game 10 at 3:30 p.m. Consolation Championship Game: Perryville vs Valmeyer
Game 11 at 5:00 p.m. 3rd Place Game: Valle Catholic vs Saxony Lutheran
Game 12 at 6:30 p.m. 62nd Annual CIT Championship Game: Chester vs New Athens
Saxony will play for 3rd Place
BY JIM BEERS
Round 2 of the 2026 Chester Invitational Tournament is complete and the schedule is set for Championship Day Saturday January 17th.
Round 2 Day 2 on Thursday January 15 featured Valmeyer vs Lovejoy in Game 7 at 6:00 p.m. and Chester vs Saxony at 7:30 p.m.
Game 7 was to determine who would be facing Lebanon in the 7th Place game to kick-off basketball action on Saturday. The winner of Game 7 advanced to the Consolation Championship game at 3:30 p.m.
Game 8 determined who would advance to the tournament Championship game at 6:30 Saturday and who would play for the 3rd Place title at 5:00 p.m.
Valmeyer beat Lovejoy, 56-31 to advance to the Consolation Championship contest and Chester defeated Saxony, 58-29, to play for the 62nd Annual CIT title.
Game 7: Valmeyer 56-Lovejoy 31
Valmeyer jumped out to a 17-point lead, 25-8, after one quarter of play. The second quarter was much more competitive as the Pirates only edged the Wildcats by one point, 10-9. At halftime, Valmeyer led, 35-25. At that time in the game, Lovejoy still had hope to overcome that 10-poit deficit.
The 3rd Quarter had the Pirates outscoring the Wildcats by just five points, 13-8. That performance gave Valmeyer a 23-point lead, 48-25, going into the final stretch. The 4th Quarter had the Pirates outscore the Wildcats by just two points, 8-6. The final score was 56-31, a 25-point difference.
In the win, Valmeyer use a scoring offense from eight different players. Three of those players scored in double figures. Carter McSchooler led all players with 15 points. Tallen Jakimauskas added 14 points and Evan Hill contributed 10 points. Other scorers included Chase Snyder (7), Gavin Rau (2), Caleb White (2), and Parker Frierdich (2).
The Lovejoy Wildcats had just five players score, one of which scored in double figures. Odell Jordan led the team with 11 points. He was followed by Mylan Brown (7), Keith Bowens (6), James Harrell (5), and Jaquan Brown (2).
The Lovejoy loss moved the Wildcats to face Lebanon in the 7th Place game 9 at 2:00 p.m. Saturday January 17. The Valmeyer win advanced the Pirates to the Consolation Championship Game 10 Saturday January 17 at 3:30 p.m.
Game 8: Chester 58-Saxony 29
In this semi-final game the Saxony Lutheran Crusaders struck first, but it took both teams a minute and 30-seconds to achieve an initial score. Saxony’s Brayden Zoellner popped a 3-point field goal at the 6:30 mark of the first quarter to take a very early 3-0 lead.
During the next minute, Chester’s lone senior, Tray Peters, mounted a 6-0 run on the Crusaders as he drained back-to-back 3-pointers on two consecutive possessions. Chester led, 6-3 at the 5:20 mark.
Zach Roth was fouled and made both of his free throws at the 5:11 mark to get Saxony within one point, 6-5. The Crusaders took an 8-6 lead at 4:35 when Baylor Wilson made a deuce and was fouled. He made his free throw to complete a three-point play.
The YellowJackets tied the game, 8-8 on TaShawn Palacio’s two-pointer at 4:10 and finished the 1st Quarter with a 10-0 run to lead 16-8. In that run, Trey McCartney hit a 3-pointer, Tallen James hit a bucket and Zane Eggemeyer drained a 3-pointer at the buzzer to give Chester an 8-point, 16-8 lead.
During the first quarter the Jackets recorded four 3-pointers. The score was changed three times and tied once. It appeared as if the table was set for a close, exciting, competitive game.
Chester’s Tallen James started off the second quarter by draining the first of five YellowJacket three pointers. CHS extended the lead to 11 points, 19-8. TaShawn Palacio scored a minute later to extend the Chester lead to 21-8.
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
Chester High School is pleased to acknowledge the recipients of our weeks 15-16 of PBIS Jacket Shout-Outs. Jacket Shout-Outs provide a platform for teachers to commend students who have made positive contributions to our learning community. We extend our gratitude to these students for their exemplary efforts and for serving as role models for their peers. Thank you!
CHS: RECONOCIMIENTOS PBIS “JACKET SHOUT-OUTS” – SEMANAS 15-16
Chester High School se complace en reconocer a los estudiantes homenajeados durante las semanas 15-16 de los PBIS Jacket Shout-Outs. Los Jacket Shout-Outs brindan a los docentes una plataforma para felicitar a los estudiantes que han realizado contribuciones positivas a nuestra comunidad de aprendizaje. Extendemos nuestro agradecimiento a estos estudiantes por sus esfuerzos ejemplares y por servir como modelos a seguir para sus compañeros. ¡Gracias!
Chester High School sincerely thanks Delta Kappa Gamma and Beth Stumpe Bell for their time and dedication in developing and supporting the Art Grant for our students.
