“The television clip on Comcast SportsNet showed shots of a jubilant Chester boys’ basketball team celebrating its 67-60 win over Simon Gratz in Wednesday’s PIAA Class AAAA semifinal in Norristown. In the background, a homemade sign screamed, in bold red letters, ‘We’re going to Happy Valley!’
“Undoubtedly, the Clippers and their fans would be thrilled to go anywhere to play in or watch a state final, where they’ll meet western power Schenley at 8 p.m. Saturday in the Bryce Jordan Center.
“Ed DeChellis is hoping they’ll be just as thrilled to make a return visit.
” ‘We’re excited to get everybody on campus,’ the Penn State men’s basketball coach said. ‘It’s positive publicity for us, and a great showcase for our athletic department.’
“DeChellis said he played a minimal role in luring the state championships to Penn State for 2007 and 2008 but that he had pointed out to athletic director Tim Curley that Big Ten peers Michigan State and Ohio State host their respective high school basketball finals.
“‘I just think it’s important for us to have our state games here at the state university,’ DeChellis said. …”