When the opposition's scoreboard numbers start to eclipse Social Security eligibility ages, Jeff Jones knows his team is in trouble.

The Zephyr head basketball coach has often stated that his team must keep their opponent under 60 points to have an opportunity to win.

While they may occasionally get into a high-scoring swap with an opponent, the optimum is to keep a team in the 50s.

It's a formula that's been a staple of his tenure.

"Our focal point has always been, and what we need to do, is control the tempo," said Jones.

So when North Hunterdon High School began ascending the scoreboard in the opening game of the Zephyr Holiday Classic, he knew it would be a tough road to hoe.

It proved too much of a climb and they eventually lost 73-51, breaking their streak of five consecutive Holiday Classic titles.

Jones said the loss can be attributed to a number of factors, including "playing poorly." However, he believed the main reason the Lions hung 73 points on them was their woes at the offensive end. They couldn't get any flow and were struggling from the floor.

"Our inability to execute on the offensive end as well was a big reason we lost," said Jones.

Within that inability was a large discrepancy in shot attempts. Jones said that North Hunterdon hoisted 19 more field goal attempts than the Zephs, winning that battle 58-39. Most of those chances came from offensive rebounds, an area which the Lions dominated, creating a number of extra scoring opportunities. Jones said they also were guilty of a number of turnovers which kept them from advancing to the finals.

Whether it was the Lions' aggressiveness on the offensive boards, or their own futility from the floor, the Zephs were thwarted in their effort to retain their crown.

The Zephs had eight players fill the scoring sheet with Brett Radocha leading the way with 14 points. Seth Sommer followed with 11 points, while Anthony Bellucci added nine and Nick Shafnisky finished with eight.

The Zephs rebounded in the consolation game against Faith Christian School, winning 54-28. Jones said that the Lions were "struggling" a bit having lost a few players to injuries, and that allowed the Zephs to get a number of players additional playing time. He said that the team has been practicing hard and this was a game where they could reward that hard work with some time on the court.

In all, nine Zephs found their way into the scoring column. Jones said it was a good way to give everyone an opportunity to see game action.

"Most importantly, we got a lot of guys a lot of minutes," said Jones.

One of those players who took advantage of those additional minutes was Jeff Charles. The junior scored eight points and had a good floor game. Jones said that Charles was hurt earlier in the year and has been working hard every day to make a contribution.

Also having a good game was Bellucci who led the team with 16 points. Matt Melosky followed with 14, while Radocha added six.

The Zephs also missed the services of Aaron Keglovits who suffered an injury against Pleasant Valley High School, forcing him to sit out two games. Jones said he should be ready for action Friday against Liberty High School.

Jones said that the Zephyr Holiday Classic wouldn't be possible without the effort of the basketball family at Whitehall High School. He said parents give their time helping to raise funds for the program, whether it's running the concession stand or collecting tickets, it's a big collective effort that helps them finance their summer activities.

"They really did a tremendous job raising money," said Jones.