Chester goes 2-2 with wins over Trico and Salem and losses to Roxana and Steeleville
By Jim Beers
CHESTER — The Chester High School Boys Basketball Team competed in the Annual Duster Thomas Hoops Classic Basketball Tournament Friday, Saturday, and Monday, December 27, 28, and 30 at Pinckneyville, Illinois. The Panthers have hosted this long-time event just one day after Christmas with a triple-elimination tournament with 16 teams competing.
Devante Palacio (5) was Chester’s top scorer in the 2024 Duster Thomas Hoops Classic Basketball Tournament in Pinckneyville. In the 4-game event, Palacio scored in double figures in 2-of-the-4 games, 5 against Roxana, 16 against Steeleville, 8 against Trico, and 18 in the win over Salem for a total of 47 points. Jim Beers Photo
The tournament is named after Merrill “Duster” Thomas, the former Pinckneyville Panther Coach that took his team to the State Tournament eight times in ten years.
The 2024 tournament featured Benton, Pinckneyville, Murphysboro, Meridian, Carlyle, Jerseyville, Roxana, Olney, Okawville, Woodlawn, Mt. Carmel, Steeleville, Salem, Chester, Trico, and Christopher.
Kolton Jany (13), a Chester High School senior basketball player. was the YellowJacket’s second highest scorer in the four games at the Duster Thomas Tournament in Pinckneyville. Jany scored 7 against Roxana, 7 against Steeleville, 11 against Trico, and 12 against Salem for a total of 37 points. Jim Beers Photo
Games were played in Pinckneyville’s Duster Thomas Gymnasium and the Auxiliary Gymnasium at PHS. On Day 1 Friday December there were a total of eight games, played at 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:00 Noon, 1:30 p.m., 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 8:30 p.m.
Chester opened Friday December 27 at 12:00 Noon against Roxana. Roxana was determined to be the favorite in this matchup and proved to be a formidable opponent.
Friday December 27: Round 1
Roxanna 46-Chester 33
The Jackets played tough in the opening 8-minute period and held Roxana to just eight points to trail, 10-3, after one quarter. In that frame, Devante Palacio scored Chester’s only basket and Tray Peters hit the back end of a two-point opportunity for Chester’s other point.
Roxana outscored the YellowJackets, 16-5, in the second quarter to extend the lead to 26-8 at halftime. During that stretch Senior, Devante Palacio again paced Chester with just one basket, and he made 1-of-5 free throws for Chester’s third point. Brother, TaShawn Palacio, a sophomore, scored the Jacket’s other basket for two points.
Roxana was led by Dugan (9), Newton (4), Crawford (4), J. Hardimon (3), and three other players who chipped in the final six points of the first half.
The third quarter was slow for both teams with a 5-5 tie. Brenden Malley and TaShawn Palacio each hit field goals and Kolton Jany made 1-of-2 free throws for Chester’s five points. Roxana’s Dugan hit a bucket and sank a free throw and Newton made a basket for their five points. Roxana still led by 18 points, 31-13 after three periods.
The YellowJackets came alive in the fourth quarter and outscored Roxana, 20-15 to close out the game. Kolton Jany led the way with six points on a field goal and 4-of-7 at the free throw line. Trey McCartney hit two 3-pointers and Tray Peters drained a trey. TaShawn Palacio hit his third field goal of the night to round out the Jacket’s 20-point quarter.
Roxana’s Maberry came alive with a 19 of Roxana’s 15 points with four field goals and 2-for-2 free throw shooting. Newton hit another bucket as did Dugan. J. Hardimon made 1-of-2 free throws for Roxana’s effort. Roxana led, by 13 points at the final buzzer, 46-33, to win the game.
In the loss, Chester did not have any players score in double figures. The top scorer was Kolton Jany with seven points. Jany was followed by TaShawn Palacio (6), Trey McCartney (6), Devante Palacio (5), Tray Peters (4), Evan Dunning (3), and Brenden Malley (2). The Jackets ended Round 1 action with a tournament record of 0-1.
Friday December 27: Round 1 Scores
Carlyle 63 – Trico 22
Murphysboro 61- Woodlawn 35
Roxana 46 – Chester 33
Benton 61 – Steeleville 40
Jerseyville 49 – Salem 48
Pinckneyville 77 – Mt. Carmel 17
Meridian 76 – Okawville 68
Olney 58 – Christopher 40
Saturday December 28: Round 2
Steeleville 45 – Chester 42 in Overtime
Round 2 action started Saturday December 28 with a full slate of 16 games that took place at both Pinckneyville gyms throughout the day. Chester opened action at 10:30 a.m. in the Auxiliary Gym.
Chester led the first quarter 12-8 behind the Kolton Jany (6), Devante Palacio (4), and Brenden Malley (2). Steeleville also had contributions from three players, Whitthoft (4), Brown (2), and Sternberg (2).
The second quarter was a reversal with Steeleville outscoring the YellowJackets 14-8. Ruby stepped up and got into the scorebook with four points. He had help from Tyler Ingles (3), Brown (2), Sternberg (2), Whitthoft (2), and Fiene (1).
Chester’s Devante Palacio and Evan Dunning knocked down a 3-pointers, and Brenden Malley added a field goal for Chester’s eight points. The Warriors took a two-point lead, 22-20, into the locker room at halftime.
The third quarter was a lock as both Chester and Steeleville scored 12 points apiece. Devante Palacio hit a pair of field goals and hit 1-of-2 free throws, Tray Peters drained a trey, and Cayden Brunkhorst and Brenden Malley each hit field goals for the Jacket’s 12 points.
Steeleville was paced by Whitthoft who hit a pair of field goals and made all three of his free throw attempts for seven points. Ruby chipped in a 3-pointer and sank both of his free throw attempts for five points to complete the Warrior’s 12-point effort. After three periods, Steeleville still led by two points, 34-32.
The 4th quarter was in Chester’s favor as the Jackets tied the game by outscoring the Warriors, 5-3, to knot the game, 37-37. Cayden Brunkhorst and Devante Palacio each hit field goals and Kolton Jany made 1-of-2 free throws for Chester’s five points. Steeleville was held to just three points on Brown’s 3-pointer. Chester sent the game into overtime, 37-37, with their three-point scoring advantage down the stretch.
In the overtime period, the Warriors managed to outscore the YellowJackets 8-5 to win the game by three points, 45-43. Ruby was the key for the Warriors as he scored six points on a pair of field goals and 2-of-4 free throw shooting. Sternberg knocked down both of his free throw attempts to seal the game.
Chester’s Cayden Brunkhorst and Devante Palacio each hit field goals and Brunkhorst made 1-of-2 free throws to give the Jackets their five points. Free throws made the difference as Steeleville made 4-of-5 free throws down the stretch and Chester made just 1-of 4 free shots.
In the win, the Warriors were led by two players who scored in double figures including Ruby (15) and Whitthoft (13). Brown (7), Ingles (3), and Fiene (1) rounded out the 45 point winning effort. Steeleville was 11-of-18 from the free throw line (61%).
Chester was led by just one player who scored in double figures. Devante Palacio led all players with 16 points. The Jackets had five other players who contributed to their 42-point effort including Cayden Brunkhorst (7), Kolton Jany (7), Brenden Malley (6), Evan Dunning (3) and Tray Peters (3). Chester made just 3-of-11 from the free throw line (27%). That was the difference in the outcome.
With the loss CHS fell to 0-2 in the tournament and Steeleville evened their tournament record at 1-1.
Chester 45 – Trico 25
The YellowJackets played a second game on Saturday. It was an elimination game for either Chester or Trico, each who came into the contest with records of 0-2. Chester had already lost to both Roxana and Steeleville and Trico had lost to Carlyle and Woodlawn.
The YellowJackets led, 6-2, after one quarter of play and never looked back. Chester outscored Trico, 6-2 in the first quarter, 21-11 in the second quarter, 10-9 in the third quarter, and 8-3 in the fourth quarter, to win, 45-25.
In the first frame, the Jackets were led by Cayden Brunkhorst who popped a 3-pointer. Kolton Jany added a field goal and Devante Palacio hit 1-of-4 free throws for Chester’s final point. The Pioneer’s only basket came from Kozuszek who made one basket. CHS led, 6-2 after one period.
Both teams scored their most points in the second quarter. Chester added 21 points and Trico added 11 points.
The Jackets had scoring from six players led by Cayden Brunkhorst who contributed six of the 21-point frame. Other contributors included Devante Palacio (5), Kolton Jany (4), Tray Peters (3), Trey McCartney (2), and Brenden Malley (1).
The Pioneers were paced by Wettig who scored seven of Trico’s 11 points, followed by Shirley (2), and Kozuszek (2). Chester took a 14-point lead, 27-13, into the locker room at the break.
Both teams played evenly in the 3rd quarter with the Jackets edging out the Pioneers by one point, 10-9.
Four players scored for CHS including Tray Peters who knocked down a trey (3), Evan Dunning who drained a trey (3), and Cayden Brunkhorst (2) and Devante Palacio (2) who each hit field goals.
Trico was led by Kozuszek who made a pair of field goals (4), with Sidener (3) and Wettig (2) rounding out the 9-point effort. The YellowJackets had a 15-point, 37-22, advantage going into the final 4th quarter stretch.
The Jackets sealed the deal with an 8-3 fourth quarter effort to win the game, 45-25. In that frame Kolton Jany was huge with a five-point contribution with a field goal and 3-of-4 free throw shooting. Evan Dunning drained his second 3-pointer of the game to close the deal.
Trico’s three points came from Wettig who sank a bucket and Deming who came off the bench and made one of two free throws. The YellowJackets won the game by 20-points, 45-20.
CHS had seven players contribute offensively, including two players who scored in double figures. Both Cayden Brunkhorst and Kolton Jany scored 11 points apiece. Devante Palacio contributed eight points. Tray Peters and Evan Dunning each added six points apiece. Trey McCartney hit a basket (2), and Brenden Malley hit a free throw (1).
Trico had one player score in double digits as Wettig recorded 11 points. Other contributors included Kozuszek (8), Sidener (3), Shirley (2), and Deming (1).
With the win, Chester improved to 1-2 and lived to play another day. Trico was eliminated with a record of 0-3.
Saturday December 28: Round 2 scores
Woodlawn 40-Trico 26
Steeleville 45 – Chester 42 in Overtime
Mt. Carmel 42 – Salem 37
Okawville 41 – Christopher 28
Chester 45- Trico 25
Woodlawn 64 – Steeleville 59
Salem 54 – Christopher 35
Okawville 48 – Mt. Carmel 37
Murphysboro 40- Carlyle 39
Benton 38- Roxana 34
Pinckneyville 70- Jerseyville 38
Meridian 61 – Olney 46
Carlyle 53 – Roxana 45
Benton 41 – Murphysboro 33
Jerseyville 62 – Olney 51
Pinckneyville 77- Meridian 49
Monday December 30: Round 3 (Final Day)
Chester 55 – Salem 43
Chester (1-2) faced off against Salem (1-2) in the battle for 13th Place Monday December 30. This was the final day of the 2024 Duster Thomas Hoops Classic Basketball Tournament in Pinckneyville. The YellowJackets had another good day against Salem to complete a 3-game winning streak and claim the 13th Place finish in the tournament.
The YellowJackets jumped out to an 18-4 lead in the first quarter. Evan Dunning was hot to kick off the first period. He drained a pair of 3-pointers and made 1-of-2 free throws to lead the Jackets with seven points. Devante Palacio stayed confident from Saturday and added five points on a 3-pointer and a two-point field goal. Kolton Jany added four points on a pair of field goals and TaShawn scored two points with a basket.
Salem scored just four points, two from Ettress who made a basket and Avery Gullion who made 2-of-4 free throws. CHS buzzed out with a comfortable 12-point lead.
In the second period, Salem answered by outscoring CHS, 12-9. Four players stepped up in this frame including Gullion (4), Bevold (3), Mix (3), and Ettress (2).
Chester added nine points on Devante Palacio’s two field goals, Brenden Malley’s field goal and free throw, and Kolton Jany’s bucket. The Jackets maintained their lead by 11 points, 27-16 at the halftime break.
After halftime, Chester returned to outscore Salem, 15-7. Kolton Jany made a pair of field goals, Devante Palacio hit a basket and made 1-of-2 free throws, Cayden Brunkhorst and Evan Dunning each popped 3-pointers, and TaShawn Palacio made a bucket.
Avery Gullion led Salem with a trey and Bevold and Maxey each scored two points apiece on field goals. After three quarters, the YellowJackets led by 19 points, 42-23.
Down the stretch in the 4th quarter Salem woke up and outscored the Jackets, 20-13. Bevold was unstoppable, making three 3-pointers and a 2-point field goal for 11 points. Ettress and Mix each drained 3-pointers. Maxey scored on a field goal and Warren added a point on a free throw.
Chester got offensive production from four players in the 4th period. Devante Palacio led the way with six points on a pair of field goals and 2-for-2 free throw shooting. Cayden Brunkhorst drained a 3-pointer, and Kolton Jany and TaShawn Palacio each made field goals.
In spite of Salem’s strong finish, the YellowJackets had enough insurance points stored to finish the game with a 12 point, 55-43 advantage.
The Jackets used a three player double-digit showing to fuel their victory including Devante Palacio (18), Kolton Jany (12), and Evan Dunning (10). Other key contributors included Cayden Brunkhorst (6) and TaShawn Palacio (6), as well as Brenden Malley (3).
Salem had one player score in double figures. Bevold scored 16 points, followed by Avery Gullion (9), Ettress (7), Mix (6), Maxey (4), and Warren (1).
With the win, Chester ended the 4-game tournament with a 2-2 record and a 13th Place finish. Salem ended with a 1-3 record, good enough for 14th Place.
Monday December 30: Final Day Scores and Finishes
Championship Game: (8:30 p.m.) Benton 51 – Pinckneyville 50
3rd Place Game: (7 p.m.) Murphysboro 53 – Mound Meridian 50
5th Place Game: (5:30 p.m.) Carlyle 65 – Jerseyville 40
7th Place Game: (4 p.m.) Olney 60 – Roxana 38
Consolation Championship (9th Place) Game: (1:30 p.m.) Okawville 56 – Woodlawn 46
11th Place Game: (12 Noon) Steeleville 59 -Mt. Carmel 40
13th Place Game: (10:30 a.m.) Chester 55 – Salem 43
15th Place Game (9 a.m.) Christopher won – Trico lost (scores not available)
Duster Thomas Hoops Classic Basketball Tournament FINAL PLACES
1st Benton 9th Okawville (Consolation Champion)
2nd Pinckneyville 10th Woodlawn
3rd Murphysboro 11th Steeleville
4th Mounds Meridian 12th Mt. Carmel
5th Carlyle 13th Chester
6th Jerseyville 14th Salem
7th Olney 15th Christopher
8th Roxana 16th Trico