Styles Collide in Chester: Carterville Looks to Set the Tempo on the Road
- Dave McKenzie
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
The Carterville Lions are back on the road tonight as they travel west to face the Chester Yellow Jackets. Carterville enters the matchup playing some of its best basketball of the season, carrying momentum from a strong stretch of wins and continuing to show why they’ve been one of the most consistent teams in the region.
Through 25 games, Carterville has built its success on balance. The Lions average 64.1 points per game while holding opponents to just 50.2, good for a +13.9 scoring margin. They shoot nearly 48% from the floor and an impressive 57.7% on two-point attempts, making them tough to stop once they get the ball inside.
Offensively, Carterville features multiple scoring threats. Colton Hawkins leads the way at 15.5 points per game, with Maddox Gulley close behind at 12.0. Zach Conder-Snow and Harper Lustenberger add steady production, giving the Lions the luxury of not having to rely on just one scorer on any given night.
Chester enters tonight with a 8–15 record and has played a season full of tight, low-scoring games. The Yellow Jackets are most comfortable when they can slow the tempo, control possessions, and keep scores in the 40s. Several of their wins have come by grinding out close finishes, while many of their losses have occurred when opponents have pushed the pace early.
That contrast in styles will be a major storyline. Chester wants a half-court battle, while Carterville thrives by attacking the paint, crashing the offensive glass, and turning defensive stops into scoring runs. If the Lions can establish tempo early, it puts immediate pressure on a Chester team that has struggled to rally from early deficits.
For Carterville, the keys are simple. Start fast. Win the rebounding battle. Stay patient offensively and force Chester to defend inside. When the Lions do those things, the numbers show they separate quickly and make it difficult for opponents to keep pace.
Tip-off is set for tonight in Chester, and coverage begins at 7:30 PM. John Homan and Dave McKenzie will have the call live on NewsRadio WJPF, with all the action, analysis, and play-by-play as the Lions look to add another road win to an already impressive season.
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