For the Whitehall boys’ basketball team, it has been about big wins this season.

The Zephyrs have had their share, but one of their recent ones against Emmaus may have been the biggest. It lifted them into the postseason after they had just four wins last year.

“We played at a high level against Emmaus, and it was a great win,” said head coach Jeff Jones. “We talked to them before that game about the big wins we have had this season. The win against (Allentown) Central (Catholic), the one against Pocono Mountain West and a recent one against Allen were all big wins for us.

“Emmaus has been the number one seed in the district, and one of the best teams around. That game clinched a district berth for us, and it was great.”

Luke Keppel had 19 against Emmaus and was six-for-six from the foul line. Ethan Ringenberger had a career-high 15. Ringenberger was three-for-four, and the team was nine-for-10 from the foul line in the fourth quarter against Emmaus.

Jones has seen Keppel raise his game and Ringenberger has been a steady contributor. Keppel is averaging 16.2 points per game, and Ringenberger is averaging 5.5.

“Keppel has done it all season long,” said Jones. “He has gotten more respected by teams. They read the scouting reports and watch the films, and know that Keppel is our leading scorer and a real threat.

“Ringenberger has been playing well. He really has done a nice job for us all season, and does all the little things.”

Keppel has appreciated the ride.

“We’ve been looking to be in the position to play in big games and win,” he said. “I’m very excited about the success we have had as a team at this point. We have great aspiration though and hope to put ourselves in a position where we continue to play in more meaningful games.

“Our coaches and teammates have helped put us in the position we are in. We have a really close team. Everyone gets along and likes each other. We work hard and push each other to get better. My coaches have challenged me to take more of a leadership role this season, and I think I’ve done it whether it be during games or practice.

“I’m proud to be in that position as we look to bring more championships to Whitehall.”

The Zephyrs (11-8) have three games left against Central Catholic, Northampton, and Parkland.

Jones sees the Zephyrs’ success linked to their shooting and their confidence.

“We started the season shooting well and played with a lot of confidence,” he said. “When we hit a rough spell, we weren’t shooting as well, and we do lose some of our confidence.

“With the recent wins we have had, we’re playing with confidence again, and it helps our overall game. We have proved that we can beat anybody, and we need to stay confident as we head into the postseason.”

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The Whitehall girls look to remain alive for a District 11 5A playoff berth but recently dropped a game to Emmaus, 57-21.

The Hornets got off to a fast start, taking a 16-4 lead after the first. The Zephs kept pace with the Hornets in quarter two, but Emmaus pulled away with a 22-point third frame and the Zephyr girls managed just eight, second half points.

Paige Inman led the way for Emmaus with 15 points including two threes. Taylor Griffith had 10 points and Gabrielle De Vita and Mya Cooper each had nine.

For Whitehall, Clara Rodgers led the way with nine of her own points. Nya Brown had four and Morgan Dunbar, Isabella Fonzone, Charlotte Bynoe and Jade Alvarez each had two points.

Whitehall sits at 6-12 on the season but in third place in 5A. Only Bangor has clinched a spot with a 15-4 mark. Pocono Mountain East is in second with an 8-11 record while East Stroudsburg South is in fourth at 6-13. Pottsville is fifth at 7-13.

As of early this week, Whitehall had four games left, including Central on Jan. 31 and Northampton on Feb. 3, Pine Grove on Feb. 4 and Parkland on Feb. 6.