Before the Whitehall girls basketball team stepped on then floor to play a league rival, they paused to remember someone who meant a lot to their program.

That moment was reserved for teammate Hannah Bankos who lost her battle with cancer in February, 2012. Bankos, who would have been a senior this year, retains a prominent place in their collective memory, and they celebrated that relationship before Tuesday's game against Freedom High School.

Senior Madison Kelly said the pre-game ceremony was a way to honor Bankos and keep her memory alive by dedicating a night to her. They decorated the gym, had numerous signs, and also presented the Bankos family with donations and flowers. It was a tribute to a teammate they still cherish.

Head coach Rick Worman said that the Bankos family is still connected with the program, aiding them during their summer league by providing shirts.

"I thought it was a really nice thing tonight," he said.

When the whistle sounded to begin the game, the Zephs were looking to get back in the win column after dropping last week's game to Bethlehem Catholic, 62-22.

They responded by galloping out to an 8-2 lead after the first quarter. It was a good start for a team that's been looking for some offensive firepower all year.

"We came out strong in the first half," said Kelly who finished with 12 points to lead the Zephs. "We let them get back in it in the second half, and it kind of went downhill."

The third quarter proved to be their undoing, only scoring four points as the Pates mounted a comeback that had them up by six after that juncture. They held on for the win, defeating the Zephs 39-30.

Worman said that it's been a recurring theme this year as their offense struggles to get points.

"We just can't put the ball in the basket," said Worman. "I think we get good shots, we run our stuff OK … we just can't make shots."

Whether it's from the paint or the perimeter, they have trouble getting consistent offensive production.

"It's been a frustrating thing the whole season," said Worman. "I think our shooting percentage overall for the season is not very good."

Worman said they address it at practice, but haven't been able to translate that instruction into their games.

He also believes they've been too impatient, passing up opportunities for better shots.

While it was another loss, number 13 on the season, the game had some bright spots, notably the play of Ivanna Jones who was a force inside, hustling for rebounds and loose balls.

"She was very aggressive going after the ball," said Worman. "I thought she played a pretty good game."

Jones finished with five points to go along with her tenacious play on the boards. Guard Taylor George finished with five points as well, while Nicole Umbenhauer and Brook Mellinger each dropped in four.

Kelly believes they can turn things around, they just have to overcome their inexperience.

"We're a young team, and we're still waiting to get that maturity, and hopefully it will get better," said Kelly.