Ben Robinson (above) hit two 3-pointers in Conestoga’s win. (Photo: Josh Verlin/CoBL)
By Josh Verlin
Conestoga coach Sean Forcine stood with his assistant coaches outside the visitors’ locker room at Penncrest for a quick post-game debrief. Amongst the various mentions of some late-game decision-making and defense, a couple of complaints of some turnovers and a generally optimistic tone, was one statement with which all in the huddle were in agreement.
“That,” Forcine said, “was not a game we would have won last year.”
‘Stoga’s gut-clenching, 35-33 road win over Penncrest was not just the third in a row and fifth in six games for the Pioneers, but a major sign of growth in the second-year coach’s eyes. After finishing 11-12 a year ago, Conestoga’s pushing for a much higher finish in the Central League and District 1.
“We’ve been preaching all year, it’s about staying positive no matter the situation,” Forcine said. “Not freaking out when we do good, not freaking out when we do bad, just keep an even keel. And it showed tonight.”