Defense was the name of the game for the Conestoga High School boys basketball team Dec. 7 as the Pioneers took down Haverford 38-28 to notch their first Central League win and improve their record to 2-1. 

Trailing by as many as 10 points in the first quarter, the Pioneers dominated the rest of the way.

“I’m really proud of the defensive effort we brought,” head coach Sean Forcine said. “We held them to seven points in the second half. When you can keep your opponent to single digits in a half of basketball game and win the rebounding battle (19-12), you’re always going to be in the game.”  

“We started attacking the rim, getting some easy buckets. Our defensive energy and our ability to get to the basket made the difference. “

“I’m proud of our guys for mental toughness, being down 10 to start the game.  We stuck with it, stayed together and believed in each other.”  

Senior Brendan Styer said the victory meant a lot to the Pioneers, who had not beaten the Fords during his high school career.  Conestoga fell behind early, but they kept closing the gap.  Styer hit a critical 3 to cut the deficit to 4 going into halftime at the buzzer.  

Stoga’s smothering defense and performance on the boards helped keep the momentum going in the second half. Junior Ben Robinson contributed 10 points while Sophomore Rowan Miller had 8 points and 2 steals. Sophomore Cory Hogan pulled down 7 rebounds to go along with 5 points.

Stoga gets its first home game Dec. 12 vs. Ridley and then hosts Lower Merion on Dec. 14. Tipoff for both games is set for 7 p.m.