Conestoga reached new heights last season, going 24-6, placing third in the PIAA District 1 Class AAAA tournament, and qualifying for the state playoffs. The Pioneers return four of five starters from that squad, so there’s a good chance for continued success. The only starter lost was wing guard Zack Yonda, who averaged 16 points and is now at Swarthmore.Back for ninth-year coach Mike Troy are floor general Daryl Caldwell, fellow guards James Vandeventer and Andrew Diehl, 6-foot-5 forward Dan Vila, and 6-4 forward Martin Dorsey.
“Our team is very unselfish, and all the guys pass the ball well,” Troy said. “And a number of guys can play multiple positions.”Conestoga’s first goal, as usual, is to win the Central League title. In last year’s league tournament, after taking out Penncrest behind Yonda’s 28 points, the squad bowed to perennial power Lower Merion. Ten days later, in a district quarterfinal, the No. 1-seeded Pioneers turned the tables on the No. 9 Aces with a 68-60 triumph.
“I’m sure they’re just as anxious to play us this year as we are to play them,” Troy said.
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