Northampton first-year head coach Matt Scholl never lost faith.

All throughout the season, he was confident his Northampton team would qualify for the postseason. In all likelihood, it certainly was going to be a different path from their 21-8 season that ended in the state semifinals a year ago.

This would be a different cast that spent the majority of the past four years together. The players were different, but the goals remained the same for the Konkrete Kids. They were shooting for a winning record, and hoping to make the league and district playoffs.

In the end, the Kids will be the sixth seed in the upcoming District 11 Class 6A playoffs with an overall 10-12 record and they will meet third-seeded Parkland (14-8) in an opening-round game Saturday evening at Easton.

Scholl has kept it all in its proper perspective. The Kids lost four of their last six games, but they posted a 5-5 record over their last 10 games.

Still, some of their tensest times were over the last two weeks of practice.

“We are excited to have qualified for the district playoffs despite losing 90 percent of our scoring and minutes from last year,” he said. “The last two weeks were tough for us. We didn’t get the official confirmation that we qualified until Thursday (Feb. 16) morning.

“We had eight practices since our last game without any guarantee that our season would continue. Everyone showed up each day and gave 100 percent. That is a testament to the type of kids we have here at Northampton and their work ethic. The coaching staff is happy to have this opportunity because the seniors have worked hard for it.”

Scholl cited the play of seniors Tyler Kauffman, Parker Christman, and Sam Koplin as well as juniors J.J. Kolumber, Tristen Pinnock, and Brody Graff. Pinnock is the Kids leading scorer and rebounder, averaging 10.4 and 4.7 respectively; Kauffman averages 9.4 points per game; and Kolumber averages 7.7 with a team-high 4.6 assists.

“Our seniors have been steady leaders all season, and our juniors have grown and gained confidence,” added Scholl.

He also understands his team’s situation.

“Parkland is a very talented team, is well coached, and has been one of the most successful teams in the history of the East Penn Conference,” said Scholl. “With that said, we believe we can keep the game close, and have a shot of advancing in districts.

“Whether we win or lose against Parkland, we are proud of what this group has accomplished.”