The Zephyr boys basketball team was in need of a little boost when they clashed with the Patriots on Tuesday.

It wasn't an energy drink, or a protein bar they were grasping for, but a way to close the gap against a talented Freedom team that bolted out to an early lead. However, they managed to keep it close, staying within striking distance for most of the game.

"For a good portion of the game, it was a five-point game, and it just didn't seem like we could get over that hump," said head coach Jeff Jones.

Entering the fourth quarter, the Zephs still trailed by seven, but that deficit didn't seem insurmountable. They were playing against one of the top teams in the conference and they needed to keep them from padding that lead.

"It's a three possession game," said Jones. "We'd get a bucket, and then we couldn't get that stop. We never could get that stop."

Freedom kept the Zephs at arms length that final stanza, winning 62-44. That loss pushed their record to record to 4-4 in the Lehigh Valley Conference (8-7, overall).

Jones said the Patriots were a tough match since they had a perimeter player and an interior player that forces them to choose.

"A lot of times you can take away one thing, but you give a little bit something up otherwise," Jones said.

Forward Derike Chiclana was that inside presence, knocking down nine points, while 6-4 swingman Nyreef Jackson hurt them from the outside, using his length to shoot over the top of defenders. He finished with 17 points.

"It's a difficult match up for us," said Jones.

The Zephs offense was led by Brett Radocha who had nine points, followed by Nick Shafnisky who finished with eight. Additionally, Chad Rex poured in six points, while Anthony Bellucci finished with five.

That loss halted their Lehigh Valley Conference winning steak as they defeated Bethlehem Catholic High School last week, capitalizing on the deft shooting touch of Radocha to clip the Golden Hawks, 56-51.

Radocha finished that game with 15 points to pace the Zephs. He's been an integral part of their offense and has emerged as one of the leaders of their youth movement which also features Aaron Keglovits and Matt Melosky.

Jones said they talked to Radocha about being aggressive and they've also made it more of an emphasis to get him the ball inside. He's responded by taking the initiative, whether it's from the floor or getting to the foul line.

"Those are steps in a positive direction," said Jones.

Defense has been their signature this season, and they utilized that against the Huskies as well as the Hawks. They limited Dieruff High School to just 29 points, and held the Hawks to a just 26 points through three quarters. It was a major reason why they were able to reel off a number of win, utilizing a match defense that frustrates opponents, even withstanding a furious comeback by the Hawks in the final quarter to preserve that victory.

"It's been pretty good to us," said Jones.

With six games left on their schedule, the Zephs must win three of those to qualify for the district tournament. It's something they've discussed and are eager to make it a reality.

"It's going to be a challenge, but these kids have met challenges before," said Jones. "I'm confident these kids are going to play hard and do the right things."