Conestoga knocks off defending champ Central Bucks West, 51-43
TREDYFFRIN >> From the early going of Wednesday night’s District 1-AAAA second round matchup between defending champion Central Bucks West and Conestoga, it was clear the game was going to come down to which team could make a play at the end.
Central Bucls West’s Alex Burkauskas drives to the basket against the defense of
Conestoga’s Liz Atwood Wednesday.
Conestoga was able to make that equation real simple as it put the ball in the hands of its playmakers — senior forward Ellie Mack and sophomore guard Maria Koblish — as the two combined for 23 of the Pioneers’ second-half points en route to a 51-43 win.
“I subscribe to the method of coaching of putting your players in a position to win and let them go,” said Conestoga coach Chris Jefferies. “The more I get involved the worse it gets. That’s what practice is for.”
In addition to Mack and Koblish, the Pioneers also got great play from junior forward Liz Scott. Scott finished with only eight points but played tenacious defense and helped lead the Conestoga break out of its defensive zone.
“Eight is her role,” Jefferies said. “We’re a big believer in everyone having a role. Liz is a defensive monster and she’s an absolute beast in transition.”
Early in the third quarter, the defending champions had some opportunities to extend a lead as the got some transition chances, but were unable to convert on some easy layups. One of the quality looks that failed to be converted was turned into a bucket on the other end for Conestoga, creating a crucial four-point swing.
The Bucks were also plagued by foul trouble for much of game which forced them to put out an abnormal rotation of players, which added to their offensive struggles.
With the win, Conestoga secured a spot in the state tournament and heads into Saturday’s quarterfinal matchup at second-seeded Perkiomen Valley.
