It's What Happened Afterwards...

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Steve Phelps and Conval fans celebrate 1984 state tournament quarter-final victory against Laconia.


In a game for the ages, the 1983-’84 Cougars (15-5) found themselves matched up with unbeaten Somersworth (20-0) in the state tournament final four. It was a tense game from the start before a packed house in Durham, and though their lead was a mere point in the final seconds, the Hilltoppers hung on for a 61-55 victory.


But it was what happened afterwards that was the story within the story...


On the near side of Lundhom gym, hundreds of proud CV followers rose to their feet and gave their team a standing ovation—appreciation not only for the season, but for the heart-stirring effort against the Class I (D2) eventual champions. But at the same time, the applause was directed at Somersworth. It was, you see, a fan’s ultimate game—great, intense sportsmanlike play by both teams. The kind of game where a fan doesn’t get irritated when the other team wins.


Meanwhile, on the other side of the gym, hundreds of proud Somersworth followers rose to their feet, too. From the Toppers fans, the feeling was mutual—a long, sustained standing ovation by followers of both teams in honor of a great game.


“I don’t care what happens in the finals, tonight was the championship game,” said one Conval fans afterwards.


Somersworth coach Larry Francoeur didn’t disagree: “I thought we played the best team in the tournament tonight. They tried things on us that really affected us…but we scrapped and won it.”

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