The Chester Yellow Jackets boys basketball program has a lot of things going for them. The team is in its second season under coach Robert Bell, they return three starters from last year’s squad, and they are no longer in a conference with powerhouses like Nashville, Pinckneyville, Du Quoin, Anna-Jonesboro and Sparta.
“The big difference coming into this year is that we know we have a chance to be competitive in every game,” said Bell. “That alone makes this season so much more exciting. Playing in the Black Diamond gives us a lot of hope. The guys feel they will be right there in the mix all season long and have a chance to do something.”
The Yellow Jackets went 6-20 last season and fell to Pinckneyville in the opening round of the Class 2A Regionals. This year, Chester will play in the Class 1A post-season and look to make an impression in its inaugural season in the Black Diamond.
Leading the way for Chester are returning starters Zach Lochhead (6’4), Justin Woodward (6’0) and Matt Chandler (6’7), all of whom are seniors.
“These three learned how to work and practice hard last year,” said Bell. “They come out and bust their tails every day, even though they know that they are the starters. They are not only the team leaders, but they are like coaches on the floor for the other players. With the way they work, they really set a good tone for the younger players of this program.”
Lochhead was the team’s top scorer last season and is expected to lead the offense once again this year.
“Zach will get his points, but he will also handle the ball for us and run our offense,” added Bell. “Teams will key on him and try to stop him, but this year we have other options, and we will use them.”
Senior Seth Johnson (6’4, 270) will give the Jackets another major presence in the post to go along with Chandler.
“Having Seth back on the team is huge for us,” said Bell. “He is a good defender and has good footwork for a kid his size.”
Also expected to see time this year are juniors Brandon Young (6’2) and Matt Heberlie (6’1) along with sophomores Link Cushman (5’9), Chris Schwartz (5’11) and Kyle Landon (6’3).
Heading into their first conference season in the Black Diamond West after a long stint in the Southern Illinois River-to-River, the Jackets are in good position to finish in the top half of the league.
“Trico is head and shoulders above everyone else right now,” said Bell. “Sesser-Valier lost a lot, but they will be tough again because of how good that program is. It will be a dog fight in the conference, and I see ourselves right up there with them.”
Chester opens up the season November 29 at the Murphysboro Invitational against the host Red Devils.
The next night, the Yellow Jackets will host Cleveland High School out of St. Louis in the second round of the invitational.