Northampton’s rivalry game victory against Whitehall qualified the Konkrete Kids for District XI playoffs after their 58-25 win over the Zephyrs on Feb. 4 at Whitehall.

“We knew this game was a really important one to win, so we all came together and worked hard,” said Northampton guard Madelyn Hurst (16 points). “As a team, we really moved the ball around together that we worked a lot in practice to get. I got a lot of openings because my teammates were doing really good in passing the ball around. Nicole, Grace, Anne, Sofie, Kadee, they all gave a lot of really good passes.”

Hurst’s 3-pointer was the first score of the game in a 15-9 first quarter, followed by a 20-0 Northampton run in the second quarter that put the K-Kids ahead, 38-14, at halftime.

“The last time we played them, we had a lot of issues scoring, so that was even more motivation for us today,” Hurst said. “We’re trying to step it up because we know how important this part of the season is.”

Hurst and Northampton forward Grace Lesko (19 points) knocked down four 3s apiece. Kids’ guard Nicole Yellen was also in double digits last Friday night (12 points).

Bella Fonzone was Whitehall’s top scorer with nine points, including a 3-pointer in the final minute.

The Zephyrs, however, were plagued by the strength of Lesko in the lane, Northampton’s outside shooters, and the fast pace of the Konkrete Kids.

“We’ve been talking a lot lately about not finishing games,” said Northampton coach Jeff Jacksits. “We’ve been one of the best three quarter teams in the Valley. We should actually be 15-5 or 16-5 now, but we’ve given games away.”

Some of those games were losses to Allentown Central Catholic, Pocono Mountain West, and Stroudsburg.

“Going into districts, you don’t know what’s going to happen. We’re a good team, but we just haven’t played four quarters. Tonight, I think we did a great job. I just hope we can keep it going,” Jacksits said.

With the game well in hand, Jacksits was able to sub in his bench to finish the contest.

“Anytime we can get the other players in, it’s good because they try, and they bust their humps at practice, and they deserve to get in a few times,” he said. “They’ve been great on the bench. They’ve been cheering. They’re supporting the team, so it’s been a good team effort.”