Whitehall head boys’ basketball coach Jeff Jones believed his team got a litmus test last week.

The Zephyrs had trouble adjusting in a 69-39 loss to Emmaus, but they bounced back with a 69-66 overtime victory over Hazleton. They had a contest with Pocono Mountain West postponed due to weather.

Whitehall began the week with an overall 5-1 record.

“We had trouble adjusting to Emmaus’s defensive pressure,” said Jones. “They were able to take us out of things.

“We got outworked in the skill, strength, and speed areas.”

Against Hazleton, the Zephyrs trailed, 24-18, at the end of the first quarter, but then closed it to 36-29 at halftime.

“They shot the lights out early,” added Jones. “We were down by five at the end of the third quarter, but we came back in the fourth quarter to get it to overtime.

“In overtime, we scored 11 of our 13 points from the foul line. That was the hope for us.”

Junior Luke Keppel had 25 points and sophomore 6-7 center A.J. Hines had 16. Freshman Seth Hoderewski was a huge spark off the bench with 12 points in the second half and overtime, going seven-for-seven from the foul line.

Keppel is averaging 18.5 and Hines is averaging 13.3 points per game. Hoderewski adds 4.5 points per game.

Gavin Roberts is averaging 6.5 points and Ethan Ringenberger is at a 6.3 clip per game.

“Those two guys have been doing the job for us,” noted Jones. “Hoderewski has really stepped up for us.”

Keppel sees the team coming together at the right time.

“We have a good chemistry here,” said Keppel. “There are a group of us who have been playing together since fifth grade.

“We all know each other well, and we all mesh well. Last year, I would just worry about taking my jump shot, but I have been driving to the basket more this season.”

Whitehall was scheduled to play Dieruff Tuesday and a rescheduled game against Pocono Mountain West Thursday.

The Zephyrs will then participate in their own holiday classic Dec. 27-28. Jones knows there will be challenges ahead.

“Emmaus is really good, and Pocono Mountain West is probably the best team in the league,” said Jones. “We have shot the ball well and played good defense.

“We’ll get into the thick of things soon.”