The recently completed season for the Whitehall boys basketball team was characterized by a gritty group of players who fought hard every game, making sure everyone in the conference knew they were in for a tough battle.

That fierce competitive desire kept them in the playoff hunt throughout most of the year, eventually falling short in the last week of the season. They finished the year 7-15.

The season produced a number of highlights. They traveled to Pocono Mountain East shortly after the calendar flipped to 2019 and turned in a terrific performance, defeating the playoff-bound Cardinals, 62-58. They also completely confounded Central Catholic in the second half during their Dec. 18 meeting, limiting the Vikings to just nine points over the final two quarters. That defensive shutdown allowed them to rebound from an 11-point halftime deficit to get the 49-45 victory.

And then there was their game against league champs Bethlehem Catholic, a game in which they led through three-plus quarters. They were playing well at both ends of the floor, sharing which helped them build a 27-16 lead toward the end of the second quarter. But as he has done during this current postseason, Justin Paz rescued his team from defeat, pouring in a boatload of treys in the final quarter to help them pull out the 74-60 victory.

Head coach Jeff Jones said that this group was comprised of kids who just competed and played hard every single game. Whether it was during practice or a game, they just played with the same intensity every time they stepped on the floor.

With the season firmly in the rearview mirror, the boys will be looking to build on what they accomplished this season, and that bodes well since they have a strong returning cast that will lace up the sneakers next year.

However, they do lose a strong group of senior, including Na’Mirr Boatwright, Joseph Herman, Rick Melosky and Adin Hoderewski.

All those players played significant roles this season and their departure will leave some big shoes to fill.

Jones said that Boatwright provided some bounce at both ends of the court. He could hit the open man with some nifty interior passing as he demonstrated against Bethlehem Catholic, or he could get his own shot via drive or jumper.

“He was one of the first guys off the bench for us all season and he brought a lot of energy,” said Jones.

Guard Hoderewski was someone who Jones unabashedly called, “one of his favorite players to coach in a long time.” He may not have been blessed with jaw dropping offensive skills, but he played hard all the time.

“He was a guy who gave everything he had,” said Jones.

Jones said that Hoderewski just likes to go out and compete at the varsity level, noting that he was just a, “great high school player.”

Herman was a starer for two seasons for the Zephyrs and perhaps the heart and soul of the team. He consistently had to battle against much bigger frontcourt players, but he waged that battle with all his might every time he played. Jones said that Herman was the key to their matchup zone, drawing the toughest assignment playing the No. 4 position.

“He did a very good job with it all year,” said Jones.

Herman also brought valuable leadership, earning co-captain honors along with Melosky.

Jones said that Melosky was another wonderful kid to coach. He said his vocal presence in practice kept everyone’s spirits up, making sure everyone maintained a positive outlook. Jones also commented the senior for switching to point guard for the benefit of the team.

“He did something we asked hi to do and he did a remarkable job,” said Jones.

Melosky, who finished third in scoring for the Zephs, was named to the Via All-Star Basketball Classic. The game is slated for March 30 at Northampton Community College.

While those four seniors logged a lot of minutes and made a huge impact on the season, the Zephyrs still return the bulk of their roster. That group is led by leading scorer Dylan McGinley (12.5 ppg) who was a strong force for the Zephyrs this season. Also returning is second leading scorer Tyler Holubowski, along with Joey Lisicky who led them in scoring their final game of the season.

That group will be part of a strong returning nucleus that also features Shyhiem Foster, Luke Gilbert, Alex Rummel, Jake Gladish, Marcus Hamscher, Lucas Souders and Wayne Tolson.

Once again, Jones said that there will be a lot of competition for spots and playing tine. Guys will mature, and he says that you never know how things will shake out until next season rolls around.

“You never really know what it’s going to be like until the lights are on,” said Jones.