Step one in Bethlehem Catholic's 2013 playoff ride was successful last week and the Hawks hope they can keep putting one foot forward towards the District 11 3A championship.

The Hawks ousted Blue Mountain 54-40 last Friday night at Martz Hall in the district quarterfinals and hoped last night's encounter with top-seeded Pottsville would continue their season.

Unfortunately, last night's results are past Press deadlines, but despite being a fifth-seed and traveling to Blue Mountain for Tuesday's semifinal, head coach Mike Frew wasn't shying away from his team's role in the district tournament.

"I think after getting that win [over Blue Mountain], our guys truly believe that we belong in this tournament," Frew said of his 12-10 team. "Getting the first win out of the way was good for us."

Justin Lenzer had a team-high 12 points for the Hawks, nailing four three-pointers against Blue Mountain to help Becahi build a 25-21 lead at halftime.

With the Eagles focusing on nullifying center Matt Husek's (six points) interior presence on offense, Becahi needed players from the perimeter to open things up.

"It was a hard fought win for us on the road and I'm happy we were able to take care of business," said Frew. "Different guys stepped up, like Justin and Darwin Saint-Cyr, who scored eight points in the fourth quarter.

"It's that type of effort that we need moving forward if we want to keep making a run."

Pottsville (20-4) had little trouble dispatching Lehighton in their quarterfinal matchup, posting a 59-30 victory.

The Tide defeated Blue Mountain twice this season, as well as knocked off Emmaus during the regular season to prove that it's not a walk in the park just because they are from outside of the Lehigh Valley.

"Pottsville has a different style, but they're very good," Frew said. "They have a long center and a very good spot-up three-point shooter. They're a hard nosed defensive team and do a good job swarming the ball."

Frew just hopes his team can take advantage of the opportunity and find themselves a seat in Friday's district championship against either Salisbury or Central Catholic.

"We're not overlooking anyone," he said. "We have to deal with Pottsville before we can focus on the future, but we're believing more and more each game."