Chester boys basketball: Carterville wins, 50-43, over Jackets

A cold shooting day for the Yellow Jackets and a hot day for Carterville's top scorer led to a 7-point loss for Chester in a nonconference game Jan. 11 at home.

The game seesawed back and forth in the first half, but Carterville ended the half up six and started the second half on 4-0 run putting the Yellow Jackets behind by 10.

Down the stretch in the fourth quarter, the Yellow Jackets outscored the Lions, 15-14. and never gave up. But the closest they could get was within five points with 30.5 seconds to go. They lost 50-43, their third loss in a row.

"We were flat today. In the second half, we just didn't run our stuff. We were passive. Carterville also double and triple-teamed Ian (Reith, Chester's top scorer who only had four points)," said Chester coach Brad Norman. "We did get lots of open shots, we just didn't hit them. We did get lots of breaks, we just didn't capitalize on them.

"Everyone one has an off game once in a while. I guess this was ours."

Chester (7-6) was led by DeOndre Martin with 12 points. CHS had only one other player, Jordan Hughes, in double figures (11 points.) The team made just 4 of 10 free throws.

Carterville, meanwhile, was led by Conner Hawkins with 24 points, including five 3-pointers. The Lions made 9 of 10 free throws.