Varsity boys basketball had a crushing win against Arlington on Friday, Feb. 6. It was a home game, and the stands were full of Cougar fans. The Conestoga dance team performed their state pom routine, the TeamMates program had their duck toss fundraiser, and youth basketball had their recognition night.

Conestoga’s boys basketball team played Arlington and defeated their team. The boys’ hard work and dedication to the team brought them the win. During the game the Cougars both out-scored and out-rebounded Arlington. The end score of the game was 73-53, the Cougars having 37 rebounds to Arlington’s 17.

“I think that we played well for the first three quarters but let up at the end which we should not have done,” says the team’s point guard, Noah E. “I [also] believe that we outworked them and that is what led us to the win.”

During half-time, the Conestoga girls dance team performed their state pom routine. The Cougarettes have been working hard for months to perfect the routine they’re taking to state, all of the girls dedicating their time and effort into the routine.

After the Cougarettes performed, the TeamMates program had their duck toss fundraiser. Anyone who wanted to participate could buy some ducks to support the program. During half-time everyone threw their ducks into the middle of the gym and tried to get them as close to the center as possible. Teammates is a program designed to help students by giving them a mentor, someone they can go to about their problems. It lends a helping hand to students across the country who need a little bit of extra guidance.

“At Conestoga, the TeamMates Mentoring Program gives students an additional positive adult connection during the school day. That consistent mentorship helps students build confidence, set goals, and feel more connected to school,” Laurel Kreifels shares. “When students feel supported and known, they’re more likely to attend regularly, get involved in activities, and see a future beyond high school. It really strengthens the sense of belonging that’s so important in a small school community like ours.”

Friday night was also youth basketball’s recognition night. All of the youth basketball teams lined up in the gym with their coaches and were celebrated for their hard work all season.

“I believe that it's important to get them involved in high school sports because the more involved they are now the more involved they will be when they're older,” Noah E. states.