Catasauqua’s girls’ and boys’ basketball programs are currently headed in different directions.

The girls’ program suffered a hard-fought, 46-41 defeat to Northwestern Monday night, and it dropped their record to 5-2 overall. Hailey Jenkins had a season-high 27 points in the loss, and Sophia Becker added nine points.

On the other hand, the boys’ team dropped a 71-32 decision to Northwestern, and it was their fifth-straight loss, sending them to an overall 1-6 record. Jeremiah Cofie led the Rough Riders with nine points.

Becker, a senior center on the girls team, sees her team more focused this winter. Both Roughie teams met Palmerton Wednesday, their last game before the new year, and after Press deadlines.

“I think the main difference this year is that we all have a goal in mind,” she said. “We don’t just want to make it to districts, but win it all. We are genuinely trying to win as many games as possible, not just break even.

“We also worked really hard during the preseason. We’ve worked to improve our conditioning, so that we can speed up our overall game.”

Becker also appreciates Jenkins’ contributions.

“Hailey is a driving force on our team,” added Becker. “She plays incredibly fast, and it forces everybody else to keep up. She creates so many opportunities on the court, and she is definitely one of the main reasons for our success this year.”

Boys’ head coach Eric Snyder is confident his club can jell down the stretch. Leading scorer Frankie Pujols, who averages 15 points per game, is currently sidelined.

“We have been in every game except against Panther Valley, Fleetwood, and Northwestern,” said Snyder. “We do miss a lot of close shots in the paint and in the lane, and we have to work on that.

“The kids work and play hard as a team and encourage each other. We just need more game experience considering we start three sophomores and two juniors.

“It’s all a growing process. The more close games that we play in, the better we will be. Hopefully, we can learn to win those close games.”