Northampton senior Annie Beenders was happy her team was able to play in the District 11 playoffs.

“It really [felt] amazing,” gushed Beenders. “This team has showed a ton of growth throughout the season with a few underclassman stepping up as well and helping us succeed.”

Teammate junior Isabella Pecuch had similar sentiments. Pecuch also has seen a difference from last year’s team.

“I’m extremely excited that we were given the opportunity to make districts,” noted Pecuch. “Compared to last year, I feel we have grown more confident together because a couple of us have played a few years together now. As the season went on, we started to trust each other more on the court which helped our confidence levels.”

The Konkrete Kids clinched a district berth with a 60-53 victory over Freedom in their final regular-season game. They entered that game with a four-game losing streak.

After an overall inconsistent season – they had a three-game winning streak - head coach Jeff Jacksits welcomed the extended season. The Kids finished with a 10-12 regular-season record.

“It [felt] good to be in districts,” beamed Jacksits. “The positive side of qualifying is that we [got] an extra two weeks of practice to work with the team.”

Beenders believed her team may have reached a new level when they beat Freedom in their first matchup Jan. 10.

“I think the team turned a corner for good against Freedom playing them the first time,” said Beenders. “I think that helped us realize we could make it. We did go through a rough patch going against some teams, but after that I believe our confidence level has increased greatly from the beginning.

“We are able to stick with certain teams differently than in the beginning of the season.”

Pecuch saw a change in the team’s chemistry.

“I don’t think there was a specific time when we turned the corner, but I think when we realized we could hang with some teams then it gave us confidence to play our best,” said Pecuch. “We just [needed] to play strong all four quarters and play together.”

The girls would end up playing top seed Emmaus and fell 58-30, but the team hopes the experience the girls got will pay off next season. The team will return three starters next winter.