When he started playing basketball in fifth grade, Gavin Kneller recalled how it was a challenging time.

“I was a short, stout and chubby kid,” noted Kneller. “I remember that I didn’t have a lot of confidence at the time.

“But between fifth and sixth grade, I grew about six inches. I began to thin out and gain more confidence. I began to see what I could do.”

Now six years later, Kneller is a co-captain of the Whitehall boys’ basketball team, and continues to play a major role in the Zephyr’s resurgence this season. Whitehall began the week with an overall 8-4 record. They went 7-15 last season.

“Gavin has been a member of our program for all four years,” said head coach Jeff Jones. “No player exemplifies what we are looking for in a player more than Gavin.

“He’s a great student, a hard worker, and a leader. At the end of practice, he is the last one to get off the floor.”

Kneller has been selfless in his efforts, and sees the team’s success as a natural progression.

“I feel like we are surprising a lot of people,” said the senior. “We all worked very hard during the summer and the fall. We all have been working together well.”

He has seen how familiarity has brought success.

“I have played with most of these guys since middle school,” noted Kneller. “We have known each other for a while.

“We all have grown and trusted each other.”

Kneller also sees he and his teammates playing more meaningful minutes this season.

“We all started playing bigger roles,” said Kneller. “AJ (Hines), (Luke) Keppel, and Gavin Roberts all have been playing a lot more minutes than last year.

“I knew I had to start shooting more, and I did get more minutes. We all knew that we had to step up.”

Kneller has felt secure about his role as a co-captain.

“I do feel comfortable,” he said. “I can be vocal when I need to be, but I like to lead by example. I want to be a good teammate and help raise their confidence.

Kneller hasn’t made a college choice, but he would like to pursue a career in business or finance.

He has been inspired by his father, Robert, who played at Catasauqua.

“My dad has really helped me with every phase of the game,” he stated. “He has helped with my confidence and my skills. He is the reason I am the player I am today.”

Kneller believes his team will stay focused in the second half of the season.

“We just have to take one game at a time,” he said. “We don’t want to be content. We want to make leagues and districts.

“We’re off to a good start, and we have a way to go.”