With visions of three pointers dancing in their head, the Zephyrs boys basketball team settled in for a savory victory over Pleasant Valley High School last week.

The Zephs unleashed a wellspring of offense on the Bears, ringing in a 65-33 win. They kept their foot on the accelerator for most of the game, applying both offensive and defensive pressure to record their third win. The win also helped ease the memory of a disappointing loss to Parkland High School the previous evening, as they fell to the Trojans 61-42.

Head coach Jeff Jones said that he was glad they had a game on the heels of that loss, a good remedy for wiping away some of those lingering feelings.

"We didn't play our best, and that leaves a little bit of a sour taste in your mouth," said Jones. "So the quicker you can get back out and play a game, and I thought it was important for us to have a game tonight, the more it helps."

Jones said it was also important to take care of business at home, something that they'll need to defend as they get into the teeth of their schedule. The Zephs bolted out to 19-9 first quarter lead, relying on a well-balanced offensive effort from everyone on the floor. Whether it was James Wah darting in among the bigs to get a rebound, or Aaron Keglovits knocking down a three-pointer, the Zephs got contributions from a host of players.

The maintained that high octane offense and smothering defense, barely letting the Bears establish any rhythm.

"I thought our effort was good and I thought our energy was good," said Jones. "We executed very well and made shots."

While it was their biggest offensive output of the season, surpassing the 63 points they scores against Bethlehem Catholic High School to open the year, it was their defense that really told the story. They continually frustrated the Bears, forcing them into a number of turnovers.

"I thought our defensive pressure in the full court, the max pressure, our match [defense] which we extended into a full court setting, I thought that was frustrating for them," said Jones.

Jones said they also did a good job of not giving the Bears any "good looks" for most of the game. One player who took advantage of his looks was Anthony Bellucci. Bellucci hit a three-pointer to end the half, then proceeded to score the next seven points to begin the second half. He scored 10 consecutive points en route to his team-high 16 points. His ability to knock down jumpers was a pivotal reason they toppled the Bears.

While Bellucci's scoring was prominent in the victory, he knew that defense was the key to winning the game. After surrendering 61 points to the Trojans, their effort on defense was a big shot in the arm.

"I felt like our defense was ten times better than it was last night," said Bellucci. "We competed on both sides of the floor, and we did pretty well tonight."

He also felt their effort against Parkland waned a bit, but against Pleasant Valley they regained their focus.

"It was just good to bounce back," said Bellucci.

Bellucci said that his success stemmed from his teammates getting him involved while on offense. He said they were setting screens and allowing him to get open, freeing him up for some good looks.

Bellucci also said they were patient, working the ball around to find the open man.

"The passing we had where we make the extra pass, that helped me get my shot off," said Bellucci. "It was just good to get in an offensive rhythm."

The Zephs had a number of players stuff that stat sheet. Matt Melosky finished with nine points, while Nick Shafnisky added eight. Additionally, Seth Sommer poured in six points, while Jacob Meyers also added six and Brett Radocha had four.

Their balanced scoring was a good sign for the Zephs, said Jones.

"The one nice thing with this group, I feel like I can sub and bring in guys off the bench who are capable of putting the ball in the basket," said Jones.