Northampton’s boys basketball season was a myriad of highlights, some that may not be achieved for some time.

There was a 13-game winning streak that clinched an early district berth, the lone East Penn Conference team to beat Bethlehem Catholic during the regular season with a buzzer beater, and an appearance in a district championship game for the first time in 45 years among other events that dotted the season.

It ended in an unceremonious 62-57 loss to St. Joseph’s Prep in an opening-round PIAA Class 6 playoff game, marking the first appearance in that environment in 10 years.

All in all, it was a special 18-9 season.

“It was one great ride,” gushed head coach Coy Stampone about the season. “I told the players after the game to walk out of this locker room with pride. You represented Northampton and its community with Konkrete Pride. What a season. You took me and this coaching staff on a great ride that I will never forget.”

In the game against St. Joseph’s Prep, senior Aidan Ellwood scored 26 of his 28 points in the first half that helped the Konkrete Kids to a 41-32 halftime lead.

St. Joseph’s Prep, a perennial power in the Philadelphia League and coach by Philadelphia legend “Speedy” Morris, battled back to outscore the Kids 12-4 in the third quarter, and they eventually took the lead down the stretch.

Aside from Ellwood – who is headed to Kutztown University in the fall -- the Kids got another solid, team effort.

“Aidan’s (Ellwood) first half performance was the best performance I have ever witnessed as a coach,” said Stampone. “He was the MVP on the court and there was a lot of talent on that court.

“We had a 9-point lead at halftime. Besides Aidan lighting it up, everyone contributed in their own way. We got in foul trouble and a host of players stepped up. Josh Smith came in and banged hard after (Mike) Torres played with his usual toughness but got in foul trouble. Cory Weisenberger and Spencer Cole hit their usual big shots. Tyrese Brandon battled. We played as many as 10 players.

“We got some good looks in the second half but they didn’t fall. We missed some critical free throws and against a team like St. Joe’s Prep, you almost need to play that perfect game in which we almost did.”

Ellwood soon knew it would be a momentous year.

“Everyone thought we wouldn’t do anything this year,” he said. “We got over the hump mentally with wins over Parkland and Emmaus. Beating Becahi and the way we did was just crazy.

“I couldn’t be prouder to be part of this team and do this for the community. This is something that will stay with me forever.”

Like many others this season, the Kids’ final game was another one played with intensity and determination.

“Their (St. Joe’s Prep) legendary coach, Speedy Morris in his soft-spoken voice said that our kids have heart; they are well coached with one of the best players around. He said Kutztown University is getting a steal in landing Ellwood.

“That was a huge compliment from a legendary coach for this coaching staff and more importantly these players. All year we might have been undersized, competed against some talented, stronger and quicker players and we never backed down. That is Konkrete Pride.”

The Kids will lose Ellwood and Weisenberger – their two leading scorers – along with fellow starter Torres. Smith and Tim Gribb, both who were integral in the overall success of the team, will also graduate.

But the Kids will return Spencer Cole and Zach Gula, both of whom were key contributors, along with Tyrese Brandon, Tyler Gilliard, and Donte Rodriguez, all of whom developed their game throughout the year.

It should loom well for the Kids next season, but they certainly will cherish a season to remember. In addition to the aforementioned accolades, they beat Allentown Central Catholic and both Emmaus and Parkland twice in three meetings with each team.

“We played usually nine of 10 guys in our last few games,” added Stampone. “All of our guys coming back gained valuable experience.

“Our final game summed up how we fought the whole season. These kids never backed down. It was a great environment and it was fun.”