By Ben Destefan

The evident emotions spoke louder than any words.

Seasons like the one put together by the Greencastle-Antrim girls’ basketball team make each must-win date on the schedule more than just a game.

Sure, it’s still four quarters and 32 minutes. But, there was something special here. Something that captivated a community.

Hordes of Blue Devil faithful packed Cumberland Valley’s gymnasium Wednesday night, easily outnumbering the Berks Catholic supporters. The pro-G-A crowd certainly made its presence felt, including a standing ovation following a 53-45 loss in the second round of the state tournament.

Yes, the run was over. Yet, in many ways, they had already won.

Think about it.

This cast of Blue Devils registered 25 wins and claimed a second straight Mid-Penn Colonial Division title. They raised the program’s first-ever District 3 championship trophy and debuted in the PIAA tournament, ultimately advancing to the Round of 16.

Needless to say, they’re no longer an overlooked pretender from down by the Maryland line that finished just 11-11 two winters ago.

Greencastle-Antrim is now a recognized contender across the girls’ basketball landscape, not just in the district, but all of Pennsylvania.

Last year they were on the brink, finishing 22-3 and a win shy of states. This time around, they took the next step, something that few outside Franklin County thought was possible.

The pieces were in place, overflowing with potential prior to December’s Tip-Off tournament. Turns out, they lived up to the hype.

No one wanted it to end, but in the words of head coach Mike Rhine, “they have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.”

As is the case in every scholastic sport, the final game marks more than just the conclusion of a season. It serves as the last chapter to careers for seniors who leave lasting imprints on their respective programs.

For the Blue Devils, that applied to Katie Gelsinger and Jane Herman, both staples during G-A’s rise to prominence. It’s the harsh reality that all good things indeed come to an end.

Still, there’s little reason to believe the Blue Devils’ success is nearing any form of finish line.

Looking ahead, G-A will welcome back its two leading scorers in Jenay Faulkner and Hannah Crist, both of whom should eclipse 1,000 career points next season.

That duo alone keeps the Blue Devils relevant on everyone’s radar.

Only a sophomore, Faulkner has cemented her status as a legitimate Division-I prospect, turning heads each time she takes the floor. With two varsity years remaining, Faulkner has already scored 833 points, a career average of 15.4 per game.

Also returning will be Meghan Hirneisen, providing G-A an experienced defensive presence capable of stepping into a greater scoring role.

While new additions are necessary, continued optimism is justified.

Prior to Rhine’s arrival in 2011, winning was the goal. Four years later, it’s now the expectation.

On Wednesday night, the magic ran out against an opponent accustomed to playing this time of year. Moving forward, that trait will also apply to G-A.