Giving up 22 3-point shots and being outrebounded by 23 in their first 2 region games hardly seems the formulas for success but Chesterfield is 2-0 in region play after that scenario was played out last week.

The Rams defeated Lewisville 70-57 on the road last Tuesday and were victorious at home 74-71 in overtime against North Central on Friday. At Lewisville the Lions hit 10 first half three pointers while the Rams answered with 7 first half three pointers of their own. The first half ended in a 36-36 tie. The second half the lead changed back and forth until the Rams took the lead for good at 3:50 of the 4th quarter. The Rams spread the floor and put the ball in the hands of Robert Sowell. Robert hit 14 of 17 4th quarter free throws to seal the victory. Sowell led all scorers with 26 points, while Joselle Bracy added 16 points and 12 rebounds. Demond Booker added 12 points to the Rams cause. Odarius Hinton had 23 points including 5 treys to lead the Lions.

Friday night was another tight affair as the Rams held a 24-23 halftime lead. The Rams still had a 1 point lead after the 3rd quarter ended. During the 4th quarter the Rams lead ballooned to 9 points but the North Central Knights came roaring back to send the game into overtime. Missed free throws, hot 3-point shooting by the Knights and a strange 5-point possession wiped out the Rams lead and sent the contest into overtime. After falling behind in the first part of the overtime the Rams stepped it up to pull out the 74-71 win.

Robert Sowell was held scoreless in the 1st half but he erupted for 25 after the break to lead the Rams. Joselle Bracy had 20 points, and 12 rebounds, Demond Booker 15 points and Josh Smith worked the boards for 12 rebounds.

Coach Hendrick commented, “Winning the First 2 games in region play is very important. This week we have two very tough road games at Indian Land and Great Falls. This Rams team has been very resilient this year. They battle hard every night despite being so small. The key to our success has been taking care of the ball. We have won the turnover battle in most games, this year, and we are losing the rebounding battle by only 2 rebounds per game which is very important. Josh Smith at 5’8’ has really done a solid job on the boards battling people 6 to 10 inches, taller at center every night. Akeem Johnson, Sergio Johnson, and Kendell Walters are also giving us solid play and playing excellent defense.”