Whitehall head boys’ basketball coach Jeff Jones is well aware of his potential offensive firepower this season, especially with guard Luke Keppel and center A.J. Hines. Both are averaging roughly 13 points through the Zephyrs’ first four games.

Yet, Jones knows it will take a duplicated effort on the other end of the court to ensure a deep Zephyrs’ run into the postseason.

Jones credited assistant coach Corey Frantz for his work on the defensive end. Whitehall has allowed 43 points per game, and it has helped result in four wins in the first five games (4-1).

“We’re a more offensively-minded team,” offered the veteran head coach. “We can’t win if we don’t score enough, and we also can’t win if we don’t play well on the defensive end, We have had a good defensive effort, and Corey Frantz has done a great job with them. That’s his thing, and the kids have been responding.

“If we can hold team to under 50 points a game, we will be in good shape.”

The Zephyrs began the week with a championship from the Bloomsburg Tournament, where they defeated Central Columbia, 68-31, and Danville, 48-36. They earlier lost to Liberty, 55-51, and also downed Hazleton, 68-56, and Allentown Central Catholic, 51-43.

Jones likes the team’s current situation.

“We’re pleased with where we are at,” he said. “We know we still have some things to correct, and to address our points of emphasis.”

The Zephyrs’ offense does center around Keppel and Hines, but they have been receiving steady contributions from seniors Sebastian Orochena and Etham Ringenberger along with sophomore Seth Hoderewski, all of whom have been averaging between seven and eight points per game.

“Keppel is a good perimeter shooter who handles the ball well,” said Jones. “Hines is so important offensively and defensively to us. He has been blocking shots and staying out of foul trouble. He has been a difference maker for us, and he has grown up over the last three years.

“Orochena, Ringenberger, and Hoderewski have been doing a great job. If you can get that kind of contribution from them, we will be in very good shape.”

The Zephyrs faced a stiff test this week when they traveled to Parkland Tuesday. They will end the week against Stroudsburg Friday. Parkland suffered its first defeat of the season to Malvern Prep last Friday.

Still, Jones sees his club taking the week in stride.

“I don’t think this team fears anybody,” stressed Jones. “ We may have had some mixed feelings about Parkland in the past, but we’re pretty confident.

“We just have to keep playing well offensively and defensively.”