The Warwick High School boys basketball team pulled off some remarkable wins in the 2014-15 season, many of them built on strong fourth quarters. In February 2015, the Warriors’ season ended in the District 3 playoffs with a 58-50 loss at Reading.
A season of upsets
Warwick defeated Lancaster-Lebanon League Section One champion Cedar Crest, handing the Falcons one of only two losses all season. The Warriors did the same to McCaskey, which finished second in the league standings.
Both games came down to the wire, and in each Warwick showed what it was made of, hanging tough, hitting clutch free throws and grabbing big rebounds right to the buzzer. Along the way, the team also put together a five-game winning streak in January, capped by a 44-43 home win over McCaskey.
If the team demonstrated one thing beyond its offensive and defensive skills, it was a no-quit attitude.
Falling behind early
At Reading, the Warriors trailed 12-8 after the first quarter. Both teams scored 12 in the second period, and Reading led 24-16 at halftime.
Warwick scored 10 points in the third quarter to Reading’s 11, leaving the Warriors down nine heading into the final period.
A fourth-quarter push
True to form, Warwick came alive in the fourth, pouring in 24 points. But Reading answered with 23 of its own, and the comeback fell short.
A Warwick guard led the Warriors with 13 points, including three 3-pointers. Two teammates added 9 points apiece, another scored 8 before fouling out and a forward added 6.
Warwick made 15 of 21 free throws. One reserve went a perfect 5-for-5 from the line, and another made 6 of 8.
Reading’s tradition
Reading High School has one of the most storied basketball programs in Pennsylvania, and its home gym, the Geigle Complex, is known as one of the toughest places to play in District 3. A trip there in the playoffs is a challenge for any visiting team.
How District 3 playoffs work
The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association’s District 3 covers south-central Pennsylvania, including Lancaster, Lebanon, Berks, York, Dauphin and Cumberland counties. Teams qualify for the district tournament based on their power ratings, and the top finishers advance to the PIAA state playoffs. For Warwick, simply earning a district berth in the largest classification was an accomplishment after a season of close games.
Looking ahead
The playoff loss closed a season that gave Warwick fans plenty to cheer about, from last-second wins over league powers to a winning streak that carried the team into contention. With several underclassmen gaining valuable varsity minutes, the Warriors had reason to believe the next season could bring another playoff run.
“No-quit” was the theme of the year, and even in its final game, Warwick fought until the final horn.
Facing a perennial power
Reading High has long been one of the most successful boys basketball programs in Pennsylvania, with a deep tradition and athletic rosters that regularly contend for district and state titles. Drawing the Red Knights in the postseason is one of the toughest assignments in the region.
A season to build on
For Warwick, reaching the postseason and competing against top-tier opponents gave returning players valuable experience. Coaches often point to offseason work, including summer leagues, strength training and individual skill development, as the key to taking the next step.
The end of a high school career
For seniors, the last game of the season is also the end of their high school basketball careers. Many have played together since youth leagues in Lititz, and the bond among teammates is often what they remember most.
This article was originally published in February 2015.