A Classic of a Classic

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Joe Reilly and John Davies receive the 1973 Cougar Christmas Classic team trophy from Principal Byron Niederhelman.

Conval High hosted what was known as the Cougar Christmas Classic boys’ basketball tournament for four seasons, beginning in December 1973. The event had been in the works since that January when Athletic Director John Fessenden and Coach Ray Richard wanted to do something about the fact that 59 of 81 teams in the state were in a holiday tournament to help stay sharp, and Conval was one of those on the outside looking in.

The first year was most memorable as the Classic was one of only three in the state that were held during a nationwide energy crisis. Participants were four of that year’s top Class I (D2) contenders: Conval, Goffstown, Pinkerton and Timberlane. Despite the gym thermostat being lowered to save on energy costs, more than 1,500 enthusiastic fans warmed it up for the opening round.

The Cougars proved to be poor hosts, defeating Timberlane 76-68 and then Goffstown the following night in the finals, 75-59. Coach Richard went to his bench early and often in both contests and that spelled the difference. Ted Davies bailed the smaller Cougars out both nights in his sixth man role while rotation of guards Mike Crowe, Joe Reilly and Doug Smith kept the pressure on. John Davies ended up tourney MVP. 

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