Chester County’s junior high boys closed out their season Thursday night with a 46–23 loss to Lexington in the championship game of the Best of the West Tournament, earning a runner-up finish in the event.
Lexington took control early, leading 13–8 after the first quarter and extending the advantage to 26–15 by halftime. Chester County battled throughout the night but was unable to overcome Lexington’s depth and defensive pressure, trailing 33–21 after three quarters before Lexington pulled away in the final period.
Marlon Massengill led Chester County with 13 points in the championship game.
The Eagles advanced to the title game following one of the most exciting wins of their season, a 45–43 semifinal victory over Decatur County on Monday night. Chester County trailed for much of the contest but rallied late and dramatically sealed the win.
With 9.3 seconds remaining and the score tied, Peyton Dickerson intercepted a pass and pushed the ball up the floor to Marlon Massengill. Massengill drove to the basket, but his layup attempt rimmed out. Dickerson followed the play, secured the rebound and knocked down the buzzer-beater to send the Eagles to the championship.
Massengill paced Chester County with 17 points in the semifinal, while Dickerson added 13. Jayden Dawkins finished with seven points and Brett Wilson contributed six.
Marlon Massengill and Peyton Dickerson were named to the Best of the West All-Tournament Team for their performances during the tournament.
Thursday night’s championship game marked the end of the season for the Chester County Junior High boys, who finished the year with a strong tournament run and a memorable postseason performance.
