Bethlehem Catholic’s girls basketball team gave Coach Jose Medina a sneak peek at the upcoming season after achieving a 3-0 record at the Emmaus Fall Classic on Nov. 5.

“The girls shared the ball very well. We had a different leading scorer for each game,” Medina said. “We also looked strong and defended well. I was pleased with our effort.”

Medina expects the Golden Hawks to challenge other teams with exactly that: defense and togetherness.

“Every basketball season has its own personality with regards to the team, so it is up to us to find our team identity early and place our girls in positions to capitalize on their strengths and improve on the other areas as well,” he said.

Assisting Medina this season are Arnold Alleyne, Dwight Repsher, Madison Capuano, and Larry Weber.

“The girls had 10 weeks of open gym that began in early September,” said Medina. “In addition, we had team lifts throughout the summer together, and the majority of our girls played AAU. The girls put in lots of work in preparing for the 2022-23 season.”

Key returners for the Hawks are Cici Hernandez, Kendra Rigo, Akasha Santos, and Yari Fernandez.

Rigo, Fernandez, and Hernandez are serving as captains.

“We expect them to lead our group in practice, school, and game days with their effort and focus,” Medina said. “As captains, they know what our expectations are, and these girls understand what it will take to get there. As they lead, the others on the team will follow.”

This Saturday, the Hawks will travel to Cardinal O’Hara High School in Springfield, Pa., to take on the Lions from District 12.

Bethlehem Catholic’s Eastern Pennsylvania Conference opener is scheduled for Dec. 6 when they will host Freedom.