CHS Boys Basketball Tops Watertown, 54–51
The Chelsea High boys basketball team overcame a 46-36 deficit in the final period to roar back for a 54-51 triumph over Watertown Sunday afternoon in the CHS gym.
“The kids fought hard on the defensive end to hold Watertown to only five points, which allowed us to mount a comeback,” said CHS head coach Cesar Castro, whose Red Devils lost their first encounter with Watertown, 51-44, earlier in the season, but who turned the tables in the rematch. “I was very proud of them because prior to the game we had three days to prepare and I was just emphasizing, ‘Defense, defense.’ That’s all we worked on. That fourth quarter proved we can be scrappy and defend.”
Castro and his crew, who came up short in a subsequent contest this past Tuesday at Cambridge Rindge and Latin in the first-ever meeting between the schools on the basketball floor, will close out their 2023 season tomorrow (Friday) at East Boston.
“It will be like a playoff atmosphere there,” said Castro. “The team and coaching staff are really excited about this game. It will be a good one. “
Nadow Sets New CHS Record in 600
Nate Nadow turned in a stellar performance in the 600 meter dash at this past weekend’s MSTCA Qualifier Meet. Nate’s time of 1:28.38 not only qualified him for the upcoming state meet, but also established a new Chelsea High record, breaking the mark of 1:28.58 that was set by Jazmany Reyes in 2019.
Nadow will be joining teammate Ali Warsame, who will be competing in the 300 dash, and Lady Red Devil Gizelle Rodriguez, who qualified in the girls’ 600, at the state meet.
CHS Tracksters Win Medals at Rising Stars; Girls Win 4 x 200 Relay
A large contingent of Chelsea High athletes from the girls and boys indoor track teams competed in the Rising Stars meet and brought home medals with some outstanding performances.
The girls’ 4 x 200 relay quartet of Darily Sanchez, Thania Simon, Marcaylla Louis-Jean, and Keiri Hernandez entered the competition as the ninth seed, but sped to a first-place finish to win the race in a clocking of 1:57.88.
In the girls’ shot-put, Dhalia Christmas had a huge personal record (PR) throw of 29’-9.5” — which was more than a foot and a half better than her season-best and eight inches further than her all-time best — to finish in fourth place.
Teammate Lamari Davis finished right behind Dhalia with a toss of 29’-1.75” to earn a fifth-place medal.
In the boys’ 600 meter dash, Austin Freeman achieved a personal record by almost a second to finish in fifth place.
CHS Girls Basketball Team Honors Seniors
The Chelsea High girls basketball team honored its three seniors at this past Monday’s contest with Lynn Tech with Senior Day festivities.
Captain Edissa Ndayikea, captain Joselinne Moran, and senior Maria Gracias were recognized for their contributions to the CHS girls program.
Although Chelsea came up on the short end of a 53-35 decision, the senior trio played well in their last home game as Lady Red Devils. Ndayikea scored 12 points and Moran and Gracias both chipped in two points apiece.
Freshman Monica Cespedes hit for 22 points and fellow freshman Meliza Siliro drained a pair of three-pointers to finish with six points. Junior Keara Chevez added two points.
“We’ve had a great year,” said first-year CHS head coach Leslie Santiago, whose squad will conclude their 2023 campaign at Mt. Alvernia tonight (Thursday). “These girls show up everyday and play their hearts out.
“When we leave the court even after losing, they are in good spirits,” Santiago added. “It’s easy to be happy when you’re winning, but to keep your spirits up and to come back day after day while losing is incredible and I commend these girls — assistant Coach Ben Jette and I are so proud of them!”