The Zephyr girls basketball team proved resilient in claiming its first two wins of the season, serving notice they're never out until the clock hits triple zeros.

They won the first of those games against Northampton Area High School 38-34, vanquishing the Kids on their home floor to earn a league and division victory.

Head coach Rick Worman said that his team fought back after a first quarter deficit, utilizing some tough defense to stifle the Kids who had a three-point lead after the opening tip.

"After the first quarter, the defense settled down," said Worman. "We then made them work for their points."

The game was tied at 17 at the half. It continued to be a tight contest as the Zephs and Kids were locked in a seesaw affair until the final period when Whitehall got the upper hand with some critical buckets.

Madison Kelly led the way, scoring 10 points to pace the Zephs. She was instrumental in helping the Zephyrs notch the win, getting to the hoop and running the team.

"I don't think people realize how good a basketball player she is," said Worman. "Her speed is an added dimension [to her game] and she takes the ball to the basket really well."

Worman said that Kelly has emerged as a primary offensive option since the senior feels doesn't feel the need to defer to anyone. She's taken the initiative and has been an integral part of their offense.

Kelly's speed is one of her strongest assets and it's been pivotal in getting inside the teeth of the defense. Another player who utilizes speed is freshman Taylor George. George had eight points, and drew the assignment of keeping the Kids talented point guard in check. Worman said she did a good job defensively, not only against Northampton, but against every point guard she's played this year.

"Even though she's a freshman, she has a lot of experience," said Worman. "She's played a lot of basketball and it's her overall speed and quickness that helps her game."

Freshman Ivanna Jones also had a good game, dropping nine points in the win.

Worman also said that once they settled down defensively, they were able to work the ball inside later in the game, taking advantage of their superior size as Nicole Umbenhauer deposited six points in the paint.

They followed that up with a victory against Pine Grove High School the following night, winning 56-50.

Worman said it was a really good win given that the Cardinals are a two-time District 11 AA champ, winning last year 38-36 over Minersville High School.

The Zephs jumped out early in that game, scoring 19 points in the first quarter and continued that pace until halftime, taking a fourteen point lead into the break.

However, the Cardinals had a run left in them, and eventually tied the game in the final quarter. Worman said his team could have been deflated by the comeback, but dug down deep and went on a little run of their own to ice the game. That type of resolve paid dividends against Pine Grove and can be instrumental as the season progresses.

"Instead of folding, we stepped it up and took the lead," said Worman. "We then held on for the win at the end. It was a really nice win."

Kelly led the way, sinking 12 points in the win, while Umbenhauer, Mellinger and George each added 11.

On Tuesday, the Zephs lost to Nazareth Area High School 51-27, evening their league record at 1-1 (2-3, overall). Umbenhauer paced the Zephs with 12 points, while Kelly added seven, and George and Mellinger dropped in three apiece.