In a storybook-type world, last Friday night would have brought smiles and cheers at the end of the Emmaus boys basketball game. Senior guard David Kachelries was in striking distance of the school record for all-time points scored, and the Green Hornets were hosting a quarterfinal Eastern Pennsylvania Conference matchup as the No. 1 overall seed. But it did not turn out the way they wanted.

Kachelries, needing 30 points for the milestone, ended with 17, and No. 8 seed East Stroudsburg North upset Emmaus 52-49 in front of a loud sellout crowd. Timberwolves fans rushed the floor after the final buzzer to celebrate.

“We just didn’t come to play tonight,” said a disappointed head coach Steve Yoder. “I didn’t have them prepared, so I have to put this one on me. I thought we played hard, but we didn’t play smart. We literally just ran around and that’s on me because I let them.”

The Hornets struggled to get their offense going all night. They came in scoring over 80 points per game in three straight games leading up to Friday night. As Emmaus looked to get Kachelries the ball on nearly every possession, North knew what was coming and had a player attached to his hip.

“I think a couple of records were on the minds of the boys,” said Yoder. “But that’s human nature. I am not going to blame them for that. They’re 18-year old kids. I just think it comes back to me.”

The T-Wolves (14-9 overall, 9-7 EPC regular season) seemed to be fueled by the large crowd, and were the more determined team on each end of the floor. They held Kachelries to just one field goal in the second half. And their star player, Arian Azemi, scored a game-high 21 points while dishing out eight assists and creating scoring chances for his teammates on each possession.

After three ties and four lead changes in the first half, Emmaus held a 19-17 edge midway through the second quarter.

East Stroudsburg North held a 28-24 lead at halftime, and 35-26 early in the third quarter. The Hornets scored nine straight to tie the game at 35-35 before Azemi hit a three-pointer to get the lead back and fuel a 7-0 run to start the fourth quarter.

Emmaus fought back and got to within three near the middle of the quarter, but the Hornets missed 13 free throws in the game, including two one-and-ones in the fourth quarter.

Still, with 35 seconds left, the Emmaus was one shot away from tying it. Down 52-49, the Hornets were called for an offensive foul, giving the ball back to the T-Wolves. After a missed free throw by North, a three-pointer from the corner did not drop, and Emmaus walked off the court in disappointment.

“We just have to go back to basics,” Yoder said. “We will have a week-and-a-half of practice. It’s going to be like a whole new season for us. We need to act like it’s game one all over again. I need to demand more from them, and we have to do a lot better executing our game plan.”

Sophomore Zach Sabol scored 10 points for Emmaus, while Matt Kachelries and Josh Artis both finished with nine points.

The league semifinals will be held Tuesday. Top-seeded Allen takes on the Timberwolves while Bethlehem Catholic will face Pocono Mountain West. Those games will be played Tuesday at Pleasant Valley High School in Brodheadsville.

Emmaus (19-4 overall, 15-1 EPC regular season) will move on to the District 11 Class 6A tournament as either the No. 2 or No. 3 seed. If Allen, the top team in the district rankings, or Bethlehem Catholic wins the EPC title, the Hornets should remain second in the district rankings. If Pocono Mountain West or East Stroudsburg North wins the league crown it would move the champ into the top spot and Emmaus would bump down to No. 3.

A No. 2 seed would mean a likely first-round match up against Freedom. A No. 3 seed would pit the Hornets against Liberty in the district quarterfinal.

This year for the first time four District 11 Class 6A teams will make the state tournament, so a first-round district win will earn Emmaus a state berth and at least three more games (two in district and at least one at states).