The Chester Clippers boys basketball team is gearing up for the District 1 Class 6A tournament, seeking to learn from last year’s disappointment. In 2023, the Clippers, seeded No. 15, suffered a first-round exit, falling to Downingtown West. This year, Chester enters the tournament as the No. 14 seed and is determined to avoid a repeat performance as they prepare to host the first round against the No. 19 seed Wissahickon on March 1, 2024.
Chester (14-7) secured its third consecutive Delaware Valley (Del Val) title this season, marking the eighth in the last nine years. The Clippers, traditionally a powerhouse with eight PIAA championships, faced challenges this season as they integrated players from the football team, which reached the District 1 Class 5A finals. After a slow start, Chester found its rhythm, going 10-2 from January 6 until a late setback against New Jersey’s Elizabeth High.
In their quest for a deeper run in the tournament, Chester has faced tough competition. They suffered defeats against No. 6 Abington and No. 13 Cheltenham, but they demonstrated their strength by dominating No. 11 Penn Wood in two meetings. The team is now eyeing a potential second-round matchup against the No. 3 seed Coatesville, but only if they can first overcome Wissahickon.
Wissahickon, with a record of 13-9, has shown resilience in its season, securing a notable victory over Cheltenham and competing closely against strong teams like Abington and top-seeded Plymouth Whitemarsh. This opening round promises to be competitive, with both teams eager to advance.
In other matchups within the District 1 Class 6A tournament, No. 18 Upper Darby will face No. 15 Great Valley. Upper Darby (12-10) is returning to the district tournament for the first time since 2023. Led by veteran guard Tahli Murray, they hope to make a strong impression against Great Valley (17-6), which features high-scoring Chris Woodard, a commit to Muhlenberg. The two teams previously met in December, with Great Valley narrowly winning 56-48.
Meanwhile, No. 22 Council Rock South will take on No. 11 Penn Wood. Council Rock South (14-8) is riding a seven-game winning streak, aiming to return to the state tournament for the first time since 2022. Their first-round matchup against Penn Wood (16-5) will be challenging, as the Patriots are looking to capitalize on their momentum.
The stakes are high in the Class 6A tournament, where first-round losers will be eliminated, while winners advance to the second round. In this round, eight winners will qualify directly for the state tournament, while the eight losing teams will have an opportunity to compete for spots nine and ten.
The District 1 Class 5A tournament features an intriguing matchup between No. 11 Academy Park and No. 6 Marple Newtown on March 1. Both teams are entering the postseason with identical records of 11-11. Marple Newtown has struggled with consistency, showcasing impressive 3-point shooting at times but also experiencing a five-game losing streak in January. Conversely, Academy Park, under first-year coach Kevin Stewart, is making its first district appearance since 2020, a testament to their progress.
Academy Park’s success this season can be attributed to key non-league victories, including wins against Strath Haven and Rustin. The winner of this matchup will face No. 3 Springfield in the quarterfinals on March 6, with six teams from this tournament earning berths to the state competition.
As the District 1 tournaments kick off, the excitement is palpable. Teams are eager to prove their mettle, with Chester and other contenders hoping to secure their place in history. The coming days will showcase the thrill of high school basketball as players strive for glory on the court.
