Chester cruises to AAAA state title on 74-61 win

HERSHEY, Pa. (AP) -- Darrin Govens added his name to the list of great Chester guards. That wasn't as important to him as putting the Clippers on the list of state champions.
Govens scored 17 points and Devon McLendon had 19 points to lead Chester to the PIAA Class AAAA state championship with a 74-61 win over Lower Merion in an all-District 1 final on Saturday night.
Govens led the Clippers (26-6) to their fifth state championship and first since 2000.
The last time Chester won the title it was led by Jameer Nelson -- the greatest of the Clipper guards who went on to star at Saint Joseph's and is now in the NBA.
Govens hoped that those who played before him were paying attention, although he tried to remain humble about where he stood among the best.
"I respect them and hopefully they respect me," said Govens, a 6-foot-1 junior.
"I've got another year to get better and do better."
It took a while for Govens to get going, but once he did, the Clippers cruised.
Govens decided at halftime that he needed to take over the game and, as the greats do, he delivered.
Govens scored on a putback, a baseline drive and then a little jumper in the lane that not only gave the Clippers a 44-35 lead, but gave him his 1,000th career point.
Ryan Brooks had 21 points and 10 rebounds for Lower Merion (24-9). Garrett Williamson had 18 points and Dan Capkin added 17.
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