Lions Slip Past Chester, Head to Harrisburg With Conference Title in Sight 🏀🔥

The Carterville Lions took care of business Tuesday night, knocking off Chester 52–41 and continuing a strong late-season push. It wasn’t smooth early, but it was controlled when it mattered most. Carterville showed patience, balance, and poise—three things that travel well this time of year.

Chester came out hot and grabbed a 15–11 lead after the first quarter, forcing the Lions to settle in and respond. Carterville did just that in the second, tightening up defensively and finding better looks on offense. By halftime, the Lions had flipped the script and carried a 26–21 advantage into the locker room.

The third quarter turned the game. Carterville outscored Chester 18–11, stretching the lead to 44–32 and taking full control. Defensive pressure led to transition buckets, and the Lions started to look like a team that knew the finish line was theirs. From there, it was about managing the clock and closing strong.

Balanced scoring once again powered the win. Maddox Gulley led the way with 13 points, while Zach Snow added 12 and Colton Hawkins chipped in 11. Harper Lustenberger scored 8, Max Lustenberger finished with 5, and Amareon Adams added 3. Six players scored, and every possession mattered.

With the win, Carterville improves to 24–3 overall and 4–1 in SIRR Conference Ohio Division play. The Lions now head on the road to face the Harrisburg Bulldogs, who enter the night at 5–17 overall and 0–5 in conference play. Harrisburg has dropped five straight, but conference games always bring extra edge—especially at home.

The stakes are clear. A Carterville win tonight would clinch at least a share of the SIRR Conference Ohio Division title with two conference games still to play. Pregame coverage begins at 7:30 PM, and I’ll have the call as the Lions look to take another step toward a championship. Tip it up. 🏆

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLN1V0DL6iAIMbM5SPjIdfcowYTv0UGjgu&v=_U-7yle9gWg