CHS falls to Nashville, 62-38, in non-conference game
By Jim Beers
CHESTER – The Chester YellowJackets flew to Nashville, Illinois Tuesday December 12 to take on the Hornets. It was a non-conference game with the former River-To-River Mississippi Division foes and the game was every bit as tough as it was “back-in-the-day”.
Chester sophomore, Tray Peters (4), is back from the injury-disabled list to compete for the CHS YellowJackets. Peters, a 6’0′ guard, scored three points for Chester in the loss to Nashville Tuesday December 12 and is expected to soon be able to help the YellowJackets on a regular basis. Jim Beers Photo
The Hornets came out of their nest very aggressively and outscored the Chester YellowJackets 12-5 in the first quarter. CHS was only able to muster-up five points on a Lucas Thompson 3-pointer and a bucket by Kolton Jany.
The Hornets were driven by Ritzel who contributed three baskets for six points, Schoenherr who popped a three-pointer and Briles who followed suit with his own three ball for a total of 12 first quarter points.
The second quarter was a lock with both teams scoring 15 points apiece. Sophomore Tray Peters, back from the injury-disabled list, drained a 3-pointer, and Devante Palacio scored six points on two buckets and 2-of-3 free throws. Korbin Jany and Brenden Malley each sank two free throws apiece. Finally, Kolton Jany made a basket for a total of 15 points for Chester.
The Hornets rained down 3’s on Chester as Ritzel and Briles each connected on two 3-pointers apiece. Schoenherr hit a basket and made a free throw for Nashville’s 15 points. At the halftime buzzer, Nashville led Chester, 27-20. At this point the game was still competitive and “up for grabs”.
The third quarter proved to be devastating for the YellowJackets as the Hornets outscored Chester, 19-6, to lead, 46-26, after three quarters of play.
The Jackets were only able to add six points on Cayden Brunkhorst’s bucket, Gabe Steele’s basket and free throw and Lucas Thompson’s lone free throw.
Renken added eight points for Nashville on a pair of 3-pointers and a 2-pointer and Ritzel made a 3-pointer and two deuces. Schoenherr added a basket and Briles hit a pair of free throws for Nashville’s 19 point total.
The 4th quarter didn’t help Chester’s cause either as the Hornets stung the YellowJackets to a tune of 16-12 to close out the win. Nashville claimed a decisive victory beating Chester, 62-38.
In the loss Chester had no players score in double figures. On the bright side, the Jackets did get scoring from a total of nine different players including Devante Palacio (8), Lucas Thompson (7), Gabe Steele (6), Cayden Brunkhorst (5), Kolton Jany (4), Tray Peters (3), Jack Heffernan (2), Brenden Malley (2), and Shea Meneffe (1).
Nashville had two players score in double figures including Ritzel (19) and Briles (18). Other contributors included Renken (8), Schoenherr (5), Schoenherr (5), Hill (3), Diedrich (2), and Bumhorst (2).
With the loss, Chester falls to an overall record of 5-5, and a Cahokia Conference record of 1-1. The Jackets will travel to Red Bud Friday night December 15 for Cahokia Conference Illinois Division game, and to Perryville, Missouri Saturday December 16 to compete in the Perryville Battle of the Border Shootout.