It appeared as though Bethlehem Catholic’s girls’ basketball team created as many turnovers as points scored in the Hawks’ PIAA State Class 5A first round playoff victory over Shikellamy, 46-22, last Wednesday night at Becahi.

“We’re well-conditioned so we like to use that to our advantage,” said Becahi guard Stephanie Donato. “This game is gone, and now we’re focused on the next.”

The Hawks had such command of the Shikellamy Braves that Coach Jose Medina pulled his starters in the second quarter, and mercy rule went into effect in the third.

Becahi forward Kendra Rigo was back in the starting lineup after realignment surgery on her nose the day before, only to score eight points in the first quarter. One of those buckets was on a pass from Kiki Walters after a block by Cici Hernandez.

“I was really hungry to get back out there, and we came out strong as a team. Last year we got states taken from us,” said Rigo, who wore a protective mask. “It took some time to get used to because it was blocking my peripheral vision.”

Kourtney Wilson had two three pointers in the first half, and Hernandez had one. Also in the first half, Cydney Stanton grabbed a defensive rebound and scored on a layup which she followed with two more points off a Shikellamy turnover.

With the Hawks leading 35-6, Medina began substituting, clearing his bench before the first half expired.

“It’s the levels of engagement- it’s great when our starters are cheering them on because I need those kids in practice, and it’s wonderful when they get on the floor,” Medina said.

Becahi guard Yarian Fernandez came off the bench to score five points against the Braves. Wilson had a game-high 12 points.

Knowing that other teams are looking at film, in this case, Becahi’s next opponent Cardinal O’Hara, the Hawks ran a different defense against Shikellamy.

“We threw out a 1-3-1, and it looked good today, but if the other teams are watching us and that’s what they’re preparing against, we’ll let them waste their time because that’s not we’re gonna’ do,” Medina said. “Shikellamy probably wasn’t expecting that.”