CHESTER — Following the conclusion of the Chapel Field vs Livingston Manor game, Chester hosted a playoff game of their own, with the Hambletonians hosting the Fallsburg Comets on Saturday evening. The two played a tightly contested first half before Chester’s offense found their stride and took control of the game with a 58-38 victory.

The game was very low-scoring to start, with a combined 11 points scored in the first quarter. It was a 4-4 tie late in the quarter, but a late 3-pointer gave Chester the three-point advantage.

In the second quarter, the two teams battled back and forth with Fallsburg briefly taking a 13-11 lead. Chester ended on an 8-2 run, however, and took a 19-15 lead into the break.

Fallsburg looked good to start the third quarter, staying within striking distance through the first few minutes. After cutting the Chester lead to 27-25, however, the Comets’ offense faltered and Chester pressed the advantage, scoring 10 straight and ending the quarter with a 12 point lead.

Chester opened the fourth with an additional six points, increasing their lead to 18 before Fallsburg finally ended their scoring drought. Fallsburg was able to net 13 points in the final quarter, but Chester matched their scoring and was able to hold off the Comets and advance further into the Class B tournament.

Fallsburg was paced by Nick Storms, who scored 14 points including three from beyond the arc in the fourth quarter. Donovan Hart, who scored ten in the first half, finished with 12.

“It happens,” said Fallsburg Coach Lionel White. “[Chester] played great defense and they played with high intensity all night. Number 1 [Jayden Mercado] turned it up tonight. I give my guys credit for playing hard until the end.”