By Alex Carder, Staff Reporter
On Feb. 28, for the first time in 38 years, the Conestoga boys’ basketball team won the District 1 6A championship.
Conestoga faced off against Plymouth Whitemarsh High School in Hagan Arena during the district championship. The two teams were neck-and-neck for four quarters, with Plymouth Whitemarsh gaining an additional point in the fourth quarter , tying the score at 43-43 and sending the game into overtime. With 5.7 seconds remaining in overtime, senior and co-captain Ben Robinson hit two free throws, putting Conestoga up 54-50 and securing the Pioneers’ victory in the district championship. This marked boys basketball’s first district championship win since 1987.
“To win a district title after not doing it for the past 38 years wins a lot of pride and satisfaction, not just for myself but for the community. I’ve had countless alumni and community members reach out to me and tell me how special it is to finally bring the championship back home,” head coach Sean Forcine said. “It’s been a great ride but not one that’s ending. We are going to make a strong push for the state tournament, and I think as long as we stick to our core principles, we have as good of a shot as anyone.”
Junior and forward Cory Hogan emphasized the bond the team has as well as the importance of team chemistry.
“Handling pressure in the playoffs is very difficult. But, it’s easy to manage pressure when you have teammates you can rely on and talk with and it doesn’t feel like you’re going out there alone,” Hogan said. “Pressure comes easy because we have an amazing team where I feel comfortable talking to everyone. There’s no arguing, and they trust my opinion.”
Robinson has played basketball at Conestoga since freshman year. He hopes that after he graduates, the team will continue to build and improve.
“We played for people that came before us and the players that came before them because they all helped build the program,” Robinson said. “It means a lot to be one of those teams to finally get over the hump and win the district championship. Hopefully (more wins) and district championships will happen in the future. I hope it’s just a stepping stone for the program.”
Forcine believed that feeling like an underdog motivated the team this season. The road to the district championship started with both the offseason work that built the team’s physicality and the effort his players put in during the practices that led up to games.
“Size doesn’t make a difference to us. We know how physically strong we are, we know how hard we’re willing to work and outwork teams on the court and play as a team,” Forcine said. “In my history as a coach, I strongly believe teams who are willing to outwork the other and be more unselfish to play as a team will beat size and talent nine days out of 10.”
Forcine highlights how the players’ support for one another has contributed to the team’s success this season.
“Our program is based on attitude. That’s what we call our culture — controlling what you can control. There’s referees that make bad calls, teams are going to make amazing plays and you might foul out — but you can’t control that. Control your mentality and your positive nature,” Forcine said. “When people come to our games and the whistle blows, watch our team. Watch the urgency for them to support each other. It’s a true team culture, and I hope it’s noticed by adults who come and watch us play. Most importantly, I hope it’s noticed by the next generation of players, and they start to incorporate that into their own play.”
Alex Carder can be reached at [email protected].
