Plymouth Whitemarsh tops Chester for first district crown since 1998

Solid perimeter defense, key bench contributions, and an impressive showing on the offensive glass paved the way for Plymouth Whitemarsh's first district crown since 1998.

Also sparked by Xzavier Malone's 18 second-half points, the Colonials downed turnover-plagued Chester, 68-57, to earn top PIAA District 1 Class 4A honors Friday night at Temple's Liacouras Center.

Malone, a 6-foot-3 senior wing and Rider recruit, netted a game-high 29 points and six boards as second-seeded PW (25-2) captured its sixth overall district championship and first under 18-year boss Jim Donofrio.

"This feeling is unreal, beating Chester in this arena and in this type of atmosphere," Malone said. "It's something I'll never forget."

In falling short of its 24th first-place district trophy, ninth-seeded Chester (20-7) coughed the ball up 16 times in the first half and 14 in the second.

"I think Chester was shocked by the intensity we brought to the game," Malone said. "We were looking to make a statement."

The Colonials outrebounded considerably bigger Chester, 35-32. The Suburban One League American Conference champs collected 14 offensive boards compared with the Clippers' eight.

"This is a long Chester team," Donofrio said. "But basketball is a guard's game, and we're defending very well right now."

Senior floor general Oakley Spencer helped spark the breakthrough triumph with 11 points, nine rebounds (four on offense), four steals and three assists.

Ten players scored for PW, with five reserves combining for 16 points. Leading the way off the bench were sophomore twin brothers Ahmin (four points, two second-quarter buckets, six boards) and Ahmad Williams (four rebounds, three points, two assists).

Down by 48-44 at the end of the third quarter, PW responded with a 9-1 spurt that began with Matt Walker's three-pointer from up top, and was highlighted by Malone's putback dunk.

An inside bucket by 6-9 freshman Naheem McLeod put the Colonials in front, 57-53, with three minutes to go. Malone's driving bucket made it 59-54.

McLeod, rarely used since the holiday break, saw important minutes when 6-6 senior forward Mike Lotito fouled out with 4:11 remaining.

Wing Stanley Davis propelled the Clippers with 18 points and eight boards. Fellow senior Marquis Collins, a 6-7 forward who returned from a shoulder injury, managed 12 points.

Chester 7 26 15 9 - 57

Plym. Whitemarsh 12 19 13 24 - 68

C: Khaleeq Campbell 11, Stanley Davis 18, Maurice Henry 5, Jamar Sudan 2, Deshawn Hinson 6, Jamal Jones 1, Marquis Collins 12, Jordan Camper 2.

PW: Oakley Spencer 11, Kevin Ashenfelter 3, Mike Lotito 4, Davon Burrell 5, Xzavier Malone 29, Ahmad Williams 3, Ahmin Williams 4, Grady Minick 4, Naheem McLeod 2, Matt Walker 3.

robrien@phillynews.com

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