Bethlehem Catholic is tightening the rope as the basketball season comes down the home stretch. The Hawks improved to 8-9 last week with a wins over Pleasant Valley and Harry S. Truman to put themselves right back in the mix for a postseason berth.

It was a much needed two-game stint from the Hawks, who dropped a disappointing 61-46 loss to Emmaus earlier in the week.

Head coach Scott McClary acknowledged getting back in the win column was vital, but also thought it was a missed opportunity to take a crucial game away from the Hornets.

“Was good to get back into the win column after a very disappointing and frustrating game at Emmaus,” said McClary. “We are definitely playing better than we were earlier in the season, but we do not have much room for error in terms of getting to districts. Our best chance is to keep showing up everyday to both practices and games with a growth mindset of getting better.”

Losing to a 4-12 Emmaus team put a sour taste on the Hawks recent form, as they’ve won four of their last five games to go from a district hole to nearly above water, as they need to finish with a .500 record or better overall or in the league to clinch a berth.

With games against Liberty (14-3), Nazareth (10-7), Northampton (9-7), Freedom (10-7) and Easton (4-11) to close out the season, it will be a tough stretch of games where they need to finish at least 3-2.

The Hawks have two games this week with city rival Liberty and Nazareth on the calendar.