By Marc Thaler
Staff Writer

DURHAM – It's never easy to be the act that immediately follows the show stopper.

The 2004-05 boys basketball team at Trinity of Manchester learned that lesson, garnering comparisons to last season's squad.

A year ago, THS had a nationally-ranked boys‚ team. Although it was upset in the Class L state semifinals by Salem, that Pioneers squad was arguably one of the most talented high school teams in the history of Granite State hoops.

"We're not last year's basketball team," said Trinity head coach Frank Alosa following the No. 12 Pioneers' 70-48 loss to fourth-seeded Dover in the Class L quarterfinals at UNH's Lundholm Gym on Monday, March 14.

After appearing almost superhuman at times last season – losing just one game – Trinity proved to be mortal in '04-'05.

The Pioneers also proved to be a tough group of players, willing to work hard and establish their own identity.

Finishing their Class L schedule with an 8-10 record, THS traveled to Derry for a firstround matchup with No. 5 Pinkerton Academy. Trinity lost to Pinkerton in Manchester, 88- 72, two weeks before the tournament began.

THS topped the host Astros on Thursday, March 11, 66-65, earning a date in Durham for the state quarterfinals.

"We were in the final eight," Alosa said proudly of his hardworking team. "And not many people thought we'd even be in the tournament."

Instead, Alosa's scrappy squad entertained thoughts of another upset.

With the Green Wave leading, 17-10, in the second quarter, the co-captains combined for a 7-0 run to pull the Pioneers even. THS entered halftime trailing by just four points, 21-17.

"We were right there with them," Alosa said. "I thought we did a terrific job defending them in the first half. We had some defensive lapses in the third quarter. But Dover is a great team. They pulled away when they had to pull away."

"These kids," Alosa added while patting them on the back as they exited the locker room, "they never give up."