Conestoga knocks off CBWest, makes states

TREDYFFRIN >> From the early going ofWednesday night’s District One AAAA second round matchup between defending champion Central Bucks West and Conestoga, it was clear the game was going to come down towhich team couldmake a play at the end.

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 themethod 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 defensivemonster 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 rotat ion of players, which added to their of fensive struggles.

With the win, Conestoga secured a spot in the state tournament and heads into Saturday’s quarterfinal matchup at second-seeded Perkiomen Valley.

ANNE NEBORAK — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Central BucksWest’s Alex Burkauskas dribbles past Conestoga’s Liz Atwood duringWednesday night’s game.