Heart-breaking defeat

The agony of defeat was never more painful for the Conestoga High School boys basketball team than what happened on Jan. 17 at Marple Newtown.

The Pioneers battled down to the wire and then some before dropping a 54-53 decision in overtime.

The loss tainted some brilliant individual performances from coach Sean Forcine`s forces. 

Cory Hogan, a 6-4 junior, had his first double-double of the season with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Rowan Miller (14 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals) and Sam Gibbs (13 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals) also stood out.

“I’m proud of our effort, coming all the way back. We had some really good energy on our press half court defensive execution against Gardler, said Forcine.  “I thought we made the proper adjustments, but we’ve just got to execute better on the offensive side down the stretch in the big moments.” 

The Pioneers didn’t have much time to lament the loss, returning to the hardwood Jan. 18 with an afternoon home game against Penn Wood.