Boys Basketball: Conestoga holds off Boyertown, claims Holiday Tournament crown

BOYERTOWN >> Boyertown coach Mike Ludwig set some clear goals for his team going into this week’s Holiday Tournament.

“We knew this was a quality tournament,” said Ludwig. “We wanted to play our first game, get some confidence and then test ourselves again against top competition.”

It’s safe to say the Bears reached Ludwig’s goals. After a hard-fought win Thursday night over Governor Mifflin, Boyertown hung with perennial District 1 contender Conestoga Friday before succumbing, 53-42, in a physical Holiday Tournament finale.

Jerry Kapp paced the Bears with 14 points, but it wasn’t quite enough against an often-stifling Pioneers defense. Ludwig described the environment as a “playoff atmosphere,” and expressed encouragement that the experience would serve his team for the better down the line.

“Spring-Ford, Norristown, Methacton — they’re all quality teams, and those are our next three games,” he pointed out. “Like I just told the kids in the locker room, our league this year is going to be games like this one every single night. That’s why it was important to see a team like Conestoga in this tournament — it gets you ready for the league.”

The Pioneers came into the tourney flying high, having already passed what may arguably be their toughest league test. Last week’s victory over Lower Merion gave ‘Stoga the momentum they sustained throughout Thursday’s victory over Pennridge and on Friday against the Bears.

Conestoga was led by Zach Lezanic’s 15 points in claiming the Holiday Tournament title, but the real story was the team’s all-around effort and gameplan. ‘Stoga limited the Bears’ possessions with a methodical offense that was willing to, as the saying goes, pass up a good shot for the chance at a great shot.

“That’s been our philosophy for years — patience,” said Conestoga coach Mike Troy. “Control the ball, stay in the system, and obviously, those higher percentage shots are going to go in.”

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Conestoga captains, from left, Colin McFillin, Mike Erickson, Zach Lezanic and Charlie Schappell pose with the plaque after winning the Boyertown Holiday Tournament championship. (Thomas Nash – Digital First Media)