For one week, basketball felt normal for many teams in the region as a full week of practice and games went unscathed.

Things are even better when you can come out of the week undefeated, which is exactly what happened with Bethlehem Catholic last week en route to an impressive three-game win streak coming into this week.

The Hawks (6-3) took care of business in their three games against Liberty, Allen and Nativity BVM, registering confidence building victories and momentum heading into another packed week of action on the calendar.

For head coach Scott McClary, the return to normalcy was only highlighted by the team’s performance.

“Last week was a great week for us,” McClary said. “Being able to complete a week without any changes to the practice and game schedule was the best part, I think that is the first time all year that has happened. Obviously, we won all three games, so we felt good about the results.”

After beating Liberty early in the week 68-53, the Hawks held off a talented Allen team 62-59 in overtime before prevailing against Nativity over the weekend 53-49.

“Playing Liberty after two weeks off and missing two starters was a challenge,” McClary said. “We played an outstanding second half. Then going onto the road to face Allen, one of the most talented teams in the Valley, was an even bigger challenge. To face all the adversity that the game brought and be able to stick together and grind out a win in OT was a real show of growth for our inexperienced team. Then on Saturday, we faced a Nativity team that was 15-3, had the most overall talent of any team on our schedule featuring two excellent big guys at 6-6 and 6-7. We played our toughest game of the year to date.”

Becahi looks primed to continue their momentum this week with a pair of games against Freedom on Monday and Wednesday, followed by Northampton and Liberty on Friday and Saturday. With inclement weather peppered across this week, the Hawks may get a dose of cancellations to their schedule, but if last week proved anything, it’s that they’re capable of beating anyone.

“The biggest area of growth has been how we have developed as a team on the defensive end as well as rebounding,” McClary said. “That is how we found a way last week. We have been good on offense with some nice players on our team, but the key is how unselfish we play, and how willing our team is to celebrate different guys on different nights carrying the load on offense. I have no idea about wins and losses, but I am confident this team is ready to use every challenge as an opportunity to grow.”

Freedom (0-4) finally got back to playing last week and the young Patriots dropped each of their four contests in splits against Northampton and Easton.

As mentioned, the Pates will take on Becahi in a series this week, as well as back-to-back games against Nazareth on Thursday and Saturday.

Liberty (0-4) has struggled to find its first win of the season as well, as the Hurricanes dropped games against Becahi and Easton last week.

The ‘Canes look to get on track this week in a pair of games with Nazareth, followed by Easton and Becahi to round out the week.