In a game that came down to the wire, the Zephyrs boys basketball team was undone by an opportune Stroudsburg team, spoiling their chances for a deep run in the playoffs.

With just over four seconds to go, and the Zephs leading by a point, Mountaineer guard David Clowney was Johnny-on-the-spot as he followed his own miss, netting the bucket and drawing a foul in the process. His subsequent conversion from the line gave Stroudsburg a 59-57 lead.

Still, the Zephs had one final possession to tie or win, but head coach Jeff Jones said they didn't have enough time to get a good shot, knocking them from the District XI AAAA tournament last Wednesday.

The game was marked by intense play from both sides as the teams battled in a tight, seesaw affair that saw nine lead changes in the final quarter. It was playoff basketball featuring two teams that were determined to extend their seasons.

"It was really a great game," said Jones. "Unfortunately, we came up on the short end the stick."

It was also a game that was punctuated by runs, with the Mounties vaulting out to a 7-0 run to begin the game.

Jones said his team responded, going on a 17-3 run to take a 17-10 lead after the first period. The two teams then jockeyed back and forth in the second stanza, with the Zephs taking a four-point lead into halftime.

Even though they had the lead, Jones believed they squandered some chances to extend that lead going into the break. It was a critical opportunity that eluded them.

"We felt like we wasted some opportunities at the foul line in the first half," said Jones. "You make some of those, and that two-point lead expands."

In fact, their inability to convert from the charity stripe was something that would haunt them, going 2-7 in the first half, and ultimately finishing 6-11 in the loss.

Jones said it wasn't a matter of nerves. They just had their struggles from the line, something that's been a thorn in their side all year, he said.

While some opportunities eluded the Zephs, the Mounties were able to capitalize on some situations that also played a hand in the loss. Jones said that Stroudsburg, while not a tall team, was quick and did a good job hustling after loose balls. They managed to pull down five more rebounds than the Zephs, none bigger than Clowney's put back which proved to be the game winner.

Jones said his team "didn't get to all the loose balls we needed to," allowing the Mounties to extend possessions.

"You can't give good teams multiple chances to score," said Jones.

The tandem of Clowney and junior guard Jacob Battle were Stroudsburg's Dynamic Duo, accounting for 38 of the teams 59 points. Jones knew from the outset that the Mounties were a guard-oriented team, and were going to be the focal points once the ball was tipped. However, the pair had good shooting nights which helped Stroudsburg advance.

The Zephs got another supreme offensive effort from senior guard Anthony Bellucci who led the team with 14 points. Bellucci drained four three-pointers, helping to extend the defense so Nicholas Stansky (4 points) and Brett Radocha (8 points) could work inside.

Jones also commended the play of point guard Chad Rex who finished with 11 points, while Aaron Keglovits also dropped in 11 to go along with four assists.

Additionally, Seth Sommer had seven points, while Matt Melosky had two.

Jones lauded their effort, and while they won't be advancing, they have a strong nucleus on which to build. They finished the season 12-11 and are in the process of evaluating the season, meeting with players and defining areas to improve. Jones now said it's a brief respite before they're back in the weight room in anticipation of their upcoming schedule that has them playing in the William Tennent Spring League.