For the Northampton boys’ basketball team this past winter, it was a matter of building a new bond.

The Konkrete Kids lost 90 percent of their scoring and minutes from last year’s 21-8 team that advanced to the state semifinals. As a result, this season would be a year to establish a new foundation.

Northampton did qualify for the postseason with a 10-13 overall record, and their season ended in a 60-47 loss to Parkland in the opening round of the District 11 Class 6A playoffs.]

First-year head coach Matt Scholl is confident he can start to take the next step. Scholl credited the dedication of seniors Parker Christman, Sam Koplin, and Tyler Kauffman for their daily leadership. Kauffman averaged 9.4 points per season.

“They set the tone for the program heading into the season by showing up to every scheduled workout and open gym,” he said. “Their hard work and dedication will act as an example of the character and dedication we expect from our student-athletes in the program going forward.”

Scholl noted the team’s chemistry as its hallmark.

“The strength of the team was their knowledge of the game and willingness to trust the coaching staff,” he stressed. “It was a fun group to be around and, although we would all have liked to win more games, I still consider the season a success. The coaching staff was excited for practice every day and that is a testament to the character of the players on the team.”

For next season, Scholl will look to juniors JJ Kolumber, Brody Graff, and Tristan Pinnock, who were steady all season and contributed as starters. They will form a foundation heading into next season along with returning junior Trent Moyer and returning sophomore Shakim Dunbar.

Pinnock led the team with a 10.4 points per game average, and Kolumber averaged 7.7 points and had a team-high 4.6 assists last season.

It won’t be long, either, until Scholl begins to look to next season.

“We will take two or three weeks off before getting back into the weight room and gym again,” added Scholl. “In order to be successful in the EPC, and especially in our division, we can’t get complacent.”