All season, Gavin Roberts has been one of the leading scorers for the Whitehall basketball team.

However, it all started for him in eighth grade when he had his self-reformation.

“In eighth grade, I lost a lot of weight and grew a lot,” recalled Roberts. “I began to develop my stature more and gained more confidence.

“I felt my game became more complete, and I played on the freshman team. It helped me get to where I am today.”

Roberts has been a key in the Zephyrs’ revival this season. He averages 8.5 points per game and has been among the team’s leading rebounders.

Whitehall stormed out to a 7-2 start, one that Roberts didn’t find surprising. The Zephyrs will begin district play soon with an overall 11-11 record.

“Ever since last season ended, we have been preparing for this season,” said the junior. “We were going all out. We knew we could have a good season this year.

“We have a very good chemistry on this team. Last year, we had a few players who were regular contributors, and then there was a big drop off. This year, we have more balance. We wanted to make a mark with this team, and have people remember that Whitehall is a respectable program.

“We have been playing together for a while, and support each other.”

However, Whitehall went into a slump for the majority of the remaining 13 games, losing nine of them.

Roberts had a simple reason for the struggles.

“It was about our shooting,” he said. “We shot the ball very well to begin the year. Our shooting has really dictated how our year has gone.”

Personally, though, Roberts’ overall performance and determination has been impressive.

“Since the end of last season, Gavin was one of our players who dedicated himself to getting better,” said Zephyrs’ head coach Jeff Jones. “He played AAU in the spring, never missed summer league games and workouts, and was one of our hardest workers in the weight room.

“Gavin gives everything he has every day, whether it is a game or practice. He has set a great example for all of our players as to how hard work pays off.”

Roberts doesn’t mind being in a leadership role.

“I do enjoy the role,” he said. “I always like to help lead my team. This is something I always wanted to do. It’s my job to try and make everyone the best they can be.”

Roberts credits his success to his father, Ryan, who played high school ball at Palmerton.

“My father has taught me everything I know,” said Roberts. “He taught me how to dribble and shoot. He taught me all the basics.

“I am the player I am today because of him.”

Roberts said the team will begin team bonding exercises this week and next. The Zephyrs will scrimmage Blue Mountain, and they will have a second scrimmage as well with the opponent yet to be determined.

If the district playoffs opened today, the Zephyrs likely would open with Southern Lehigh. Roberts would be disappointed if his team would be eliminated early from the postseason.

“There are a few of us who would be very disappointed if we got beat in the opening round,” said Roberts. “Some of the younger guys are happy to get to districts, but we all want to win.

“We all expect to be able to challenge any team and go far.”