Editor's note - Wednesday's boys basketball game against Stroudsburg takes place after Press deadlines.

When the ball is tipped to begin the district basketball playoffs, pitting the Zephyrs against the Mountaineers, the stakes will be much higher than the first time these two met this season.

The two squads hooked up in a scrimmage as the 2012-2013 season was dawning, giving head coach Jeff Jones and his team a sneak peek into what to expect when these two teams clash at Zephyr Gymnasium on Feb. 20.

Stroudsburg High School finished the season 12-11 and were tied for second in the Mountain Valley Conference.

Beside the scrimmage, these two teams had a number of common opponents, most notably Pocono Mountain West, winners of the MVC. The Mountaineers dropped both games to the Panthers, while the Zephs won their Feb. 2 game 56-36.

The teams also share similar records, with both squads registering 12 wins this season.

Whitehall, who enters the tourney as the eighth seed, will look to neutralize their quickness, said Jeff Jones who was watching tape on Sunday evening in preparation of the contest.

The Mountaineers averaged a little over 50 points this season, and will look to run at every opportunity, according to Jones.

"They like to play an up-tempo game," said Jones. "Whether it's on offense or defense, that's what they like to do.

"We have to slow them down. As mush as our defense has been good, our offense has to be just as important."

In order to achieve that objective, the Zephs must be methodical on offense, taking as much time off the clock as possible as they look for a good shot.

"We want to be patient," Jones said.

The Zephs will once again stress the formula of keeping the game in the low 50s, using the clock as an ally to throttle the fast tempo the Mountaineers wish to employ.

In addition to that strategy, Jones said they also want to be able to handle whatever pressure the Mountaineers throw at them, adjusting to the multiple defenses they may encounter.

"It will be important for us to recognize their defense as well," he said.

Stroudsburg features a number of seasoned players, led by junior guard Jacob Battle who is averaging 13.2 points this season. He is their leading threat from the perimeter, combining a soft shooting touch and quickness.

"He shoots the ball extremely well," said Jones. "We'll have to keep an eye on him."

The Mountaineers also feature forward David Clowney who averaged 11.6 points this season, as well as senior center Skyler Brandt who averaged 6.9 points.

The Zephs will counter with their own sharpshooter as senior guard Anthony Bellucci (12.3 ppg) looks to continue his deft touch from beyond the arc. He'll be joined by fellow senior Nick Stansky (6.0 ppg) and forwards Aaron Keglovits (6.6 ppg), and Brett Radocha (6.8 ppg).

Jones said that while they may have added a few wrinkles, they've primarily stayed with the what got them into the D-11 playoffs.

"We're not going to try and reinvent anything," said Jones. "We're just going to do it better."

Jones said that having a home playoff game is important for a number of reasons. It was in the back of their minds once they clinched a spot, using the comfort of familiar surrounding as an incentive.

First, they play better at home, said Jones whose team won nine games at their gym. Whether it's the home crowd spurring them on, or the relief of not having to board a bus, they seem to play their best on their hardwood.

"We think it's a huge advantage for us," said Jones.

Secondly, it's "one more game for the seniors" who have been instrumental in guiding the team to the playoffs, said Jones.

If they advance, they play the winner of the Pocono Mountain West-Pleasant Valley game.