By Bruce Adams
Conestoga, the third seed in the upcoming Central League boys’ basketball playoffs, ground out a 50-45 victory Thursday against a veteran Haverford High School squad celebrating Senior Night.
The Fords clawed back from a 26-20 halftime deficit to tie the score at 35-35 at the end of the third quarter, but Conestoga took charge in the fourth period, scoring the first seven points and holding the lead the rest of the way.
Conestoga head coach Mike Troy saw this game as vital to the Pioneers’ post-season fortunes.
“We needed [to win tonight] to cement a district home playoff game, and this [contest] was a good test,” said Troy, whose Pioneers were ranked 13th in the latest PIAA Class AAAA District One power rankings. “Haverford’s a well-coached, well-disciplined team, particularly on their home court. We ground out a victory tonight – every time Haverford kept coming back, we had an answer for them.”
Senior MJ Lezanic led the way for the Pioneers with 16 points, and was potent from the free-throw line (7-for-9). Senior guard Darryl Caldwell, who earlier this season reached the 1,000 career point milestone for Conestoga, added 13 points and was 4-for-4 from the charity stripe.
Another key factor for the Pioneers Thursday night was junior Peyton Jones, who did not crack the scoring column.
“Peyton’s effort in the second half really keyed us up,” said Troy. “He’s stepped up all year, provided [on-the-court] energy coming off the bench, given us a defensive spark, and hit his shots.”
Heading into the Central League playoffs, Troy feels that the Pioneers’ best team attribute is their unselfish play.