The Whitehall girls basketball team pulled off a rare feat, sweeping a doubleheader last Saturday that now puts them in strong contention for a winning season.

Those two wins pushed their season record to 7-7, and with three games remaining, the Zephs could claim their first winning record since 2016.

Saturday, like most of this season, was an anomaly. Usually doubleheaders are reserved for summer league action when there’s limited time over a tournament weekend to get in games.

The experience was unique to head coach Will Robertson during his coaching tenure at the varsity level, but once the opportunity for a doubleheader presented itself to get the game in, he considered it worthwhile.

“I was thinking the kids play AAU basketball, and they play summer league, and a lot of the time the summer tournaments they have more than one game in a day, so if the kids get an opportunity to play, I’m all for it,” said Robertson.

Still, Robertson said that it’s very difficult mentally on the players when they know they have a doubleheader.

“I was worried maybe are they going to come out too hard, and then not have anything for later,” he said.

While he said that they began the game against the Roughies with a shared intensity, taking a 20-3 lead into the break, he felt it wasn’t something that was going to drain their energy.

“I think they’re going to be prepared,” said Robertson. “I think they’re looking forward to the second game.”

He said that it was important to get the proper nutrition and eat a good lunch, but still be mindful of the fact that they have time when they eat, making sure it’s not too late or too soon.

Robertson said that it’s just another part of running a program, getting the players ready for what lies ahead.

In the first game, the Zephyrs defeated Catasauqua 33-16. They got balanced scoring from their lineup, and it also gave Robertson the opportunity to get minutes for a number of players, all of whom did a good job.

“I was really proud of the girls,” said Robertson. “I thought they executed our offense very well tonight. They made shots, which was good.

“I was also very happy with the fact that they shared the ball. I mean, against the zone, making the extra pass, and getting the player that was open the ball when they needed to.”

He applauded their team effort that led to the victory.

There have been many keys to their success this season. A big piece of the puzzle is the backcourt play of Ella Laky. The junior began the doubleheader with five points to help her team defeat the visiting Roughies.

She said it was a combined effort that helped them take down Catty.

“I think we all executed really well,” said Laky.

She also gave a nod to their defensive effort that kept Catty from establishing any sustained offensive momentum.

Laky, who recently moved to the 2 guard, said that a main part of their offensive execution that played favorably in the win was making the extra pass.

“We were making the passes that we needed to, something that we’ve been talking about to our bigs, and they’ve been able to get the shots up that helped us win,” said Laky.

The Zephs have now won six of their last eight games, and Laky said they’re starting to feel comfortable as a team.

“I think we’re getting confident in it [the offense] now, and we’ve been executing it really well, and that’s what helped us trust it more,” said Laky.

She said the more they run it, the more looks they get which leads to better options.

Laky said that many of the players got to rest toward the end of the Catasauqua game, so she felt that playing a second game on Saturday wouldn’t be that big of an issue. It proved correct as they defeated Pen Argyl 44-29 to sweep the doubleheader.

She said it was probably more important to be mentally ready, and that was another area where they didn’t have any slips.

Laky said that her role as a facilitator is heightened when the team trusts her. She believes that’s one of her strongest assets.

“I think that helps when I try to lift them all up, and letting them know that I’m there for them,” she said.

One player who was lifted pretty high was senior Meghan Hutter who finished with 13 points against the Green Knights. She sparked an offensive outburst in the first quarter that led to 20 points, finishing the period with seven.

Olivia Hines remains on fire, hitting double figures in scoring again in the first game with 12, and knocking down nine in the second.

Joey Shaul netted nine points in the doubleheader, while Bella Fonzone had 12 on the day. Additionally, Tiana Carey finished Saturday with eight points.

Laky also likes the scoring options that have opened for her now that she’s the 2 guard. While she still has the mindset to see what’s the best option, she’s also in the position to take the shot if she feels she’s the best option during a set.

“I think that helps a lot,” Laky said.

This year’s postseason format will be open to any school who wishes to compete in the district tournament. Laky is looking forward to the opportunity.

“I hope we go really far,” said Laky who will be making her first postseason appearance. “I’m really excited that we’re getting into it, and hopefully we can win some games.”

As they come down the home stretch, Robertson said that the players have maintained a great outlook the entire way.

“They have done everything that we’ve asked them to do,” said Robertson.

The only thing he laments is not having enough time, either when they’re making a run late in game, or preparing for an upcoming game.

“I wish we had more time to work on the skill things, but despite all that, they come every day, they work hard, they’re getting better, and that’s a testament to them,” said Robertson.