Whitehall head boys’ basketball coach Jeff Jones already has some lofty expectations about his team’s season this winter.

A productive summer season certainly has helped conjure those thoughts.

The Zephyrs recently wrapped up their summer league play on a high note, and will look forward to two tournaments ahead this month. They also will participate in a three-game shootout at East Stroudsburg University. With a solid core returning and a few players developing, Whitehall should be ready to make a run to the top.

“We had a good summer, and we played really well,” said the veteran coach. “We were missing some guys for a few games at the end, but we had a full complement of players for most of our games.

“These guys realize what they can do this year.”

Leading returning scorer guard senior Luke Keppel, and 6-7 post player junior A.J. Hines have been the main sparks to the offense, but the Zephyr’s machine has been running on all cylinders.

Fellow returning starters seniors Gavin Roberts, Ethan Ringenberger, and Sebastian Orochena all have raised their level of play.

Keppel has been getting a number of inquiries from Division II and Division II coaches, and Roberts has been dealing with a torn meniscus.

“We have a solid five guys back who saw a lot of minutes,” added Jones. “Keppel continues to become a better player, and Hines also has progressed well. We had a good rotation during the summer.”

Sophomore Seth Hoderewski saw meaningful minutes as a freshman last season, and Jones is confident he can play a major role this season.

“He gave us some minutes last year,” said Jones. “He really works hard and hustles. Sometimes, it works against him because he is too fast and aggressive. But he will have a major role for us this year.”

Fellow sophomore Talon Dogmanits also has been impressive.

“He’s like Hoderewski with his play and his work ethic,” said Jones. “Talon is the type of kid who will dive for loose balls. He is all over the court, and we’re excited about both of them.”

Jones also is optimistic about the school’s middle school program, which has good numbers overall. The Zephyrs will continue with their weight training program through July and then take August off. They will play in a fall league at the East Side Youth Center.

With 33 years total years under his belt and 16 at Whitehall, Jones isn’t about to step aside anytime soon.

“I still enjoy doing it, and I am looking forward to this year,” he said. “As long as I am having fun, I’ll keep going.”