It’s been the case in so many Goffstown High games this season, and once again, a late rally by the opposition proved too much for the GHS boys basketball team.

Exeter freshman Michael Thorpe led the visiting Blue Hawks on a fourth-quarter run, and the Grizzlies dropped another tight Class L contest, 56- 52, on Sunday, Feb. 15.

The outcome continues a disappointing pattern for the Grizzlies, who have dropped seven games by six points or less. Their 3-9 record after the most recent setback has them on the outside looking in at the postseason; they’re ranked 17th in a league that doles out 16 playoff spots.

Still, Alex Stoyle continues his strong play for the Grizzlies. The senior dropped 23 points on Exeter, grabbing 17 rebounds as well. But as captain, he’s disturbed by the team’s inability to produce late in contests.

“It’s been the little things, turnovers,” said Stoyle. “And in some close situations I think the nerves get to us. We haven’t been playing tough enough on defense either.”

After a sloppy first quarter, Goffstown regrouped on its home floor and cut into Exeter’s early lead. Sophomore sharpshooter Alex Wageling connected on a three-pointer in transition with less than a second left in the first half, stealing momentum for the Grizzlies and slicing the deficit to three at the break, 27-24.

The GHS intensity increased in the second half, and when senior point guard Jimmy Assad found the bottom of the net as the third quarter ended, the Grizzlies pulled ahead by one.

But Thorpe, who finished with 15 points, sparked a quick move by the Blue Hawks that gave them a five-point edge with less than one minute to play.

Another Wageling three, with 12 seconds remaining, wasn’t enough.

“We’re optimistic … because our games have been so close,” said Assad.

Yet if the Grizzlies don’t quickly turn optimism into positive results, another year of squandered potential soon ends.