Chester hoops proves football not the only game in town

By Irvin Goodwin - Irvin Goodwin

CHESTER -- The Chester community was swirling in "Cyclone-mania" in late November as the school's football team was in the midst of reaching the state championship game for the first time in 44 years.

But while the focus was on the football success, Chester basketball coach Jason Smith was competing in a preseason tournament at Union County High School, and then, saw the same potential in his team.

"When we beat Spartanburg, I knew that we had something special," Smith said. "Last season, we lost to Wade Hampton in the first round of the playoffs, and we were a couple of games away from putting it all together. We have many of the same players from that team, and they were determined to work hard during the summer. That has definitely paid off for us."

Now, three months later, "Cyclone-mania" has returned to the Chester community, but this time, to show support for the boys basketball program. Chester, 17-8 and Region 3-AAA champion, will play Greenville for the Class AAA Upper State championship at Clemson's Littlejohn Coliseum at 8 p.m. today. The winner will advance to next week's state championship game in Columbia against the Myrtle Beach-Crestwood survivor.

The Cyclones' off-season preparation is reflected the most with the dominating play of a trio of seniors -- forward Jemarcus McClinton, center Donald Sims and guard Gene McCaskill.

At 6-5, Sims has been a terror in the middle, averaging 12 points and pulling down 16 rebounds per game. In the past two playoff games, Sims ripped down 22 and 23 rebounds, respectively, against Camden and Travelers Rest. McClinton has emerged as the team's go-to player, ranking among the state's scoring leaders with 26.9 points per game.

McCaskill, the starting quarterback of the Cyclone football team, carried over his magic to the hardwood with 12 points and six assists per contest. He has demonstrated tremendous court savvy with a low turnover ratio, clutch perimeter shooting and solid ball distribution.

"Jemarcus really worked hard to improve his game over the summer," Smith said. "When he wasn't in the (Chester YMCA) playing ball, he was in here lifting weights. He went from being an average player with potential to now being one of the top players in the state."

McClinton said that the off-season commitment to improving his court skills began with a difficult decision. The 6-3 forward, who was also a key receiver on the Cyclone football team, decided not to play football his senior year in order to concentrate on basketball.

His summer was then set, and his daily trips to the YMCA brought his game to another level. There, McClinton competed against many past Chester players, including current USC standout Devan Downey.

"I used to play against grown men, and that really helped my game. They gave me tough defense and really pressed me; I also developed more offensively," McClinton said. "Last year, I just played on the team and I was not in the gym as often.

"During my senior year, I just committed myself to conditioning and lifting weights, just doing what was necessary for me to make it to the next level."

Smith said that McClinton has also developed an attitude of being "Mr. Clutch," delivering tough shots for the Cyclones in tough situations.

"Against Fairfield Central, I got a technical foul late in the contest, and all Jemarcus did was come down and convert a three-point play. Whenever the game is tight, he makes the key basket to turn the game around."

McClinton did just that on Tuesday against Travelers Rest. With the Cyclones down 57-56 with less than 2:00 remaining, the smooth forward took the ball at the top of the key, blew by two defenders and floated down the lane for a layup. That gave Chester the lead for good in the 65-57 victory.

"I want to thrive under pressure," he said. " I look at every shot as my last. I was not ready for us or this team to quit. I was determined to do everything in my power to keep us going."

While McClinton has emerged as the offensive spark, Sims relishes the role as the Cyclones' defensive force. Smith describes Sims as Chester's version of Dennis Rodman, the former NBA superstar.