As Bethlehem Catholic guard, Nicole Lacherza, sank the first of two free throws in the final seconds of the District XI Class 3A final against Southern Lehigh on Saturday, a full-blown smile came across Becahi coach Bill Lanscek's face.

It was a long time coming, considering there was no guaranteed Becahi victory until that very moment. In fact, the Hawks trailed for most of the game by as many as nine points, but a true team effort clinched a 50-44 win over the Spartans and a district championship at Easton Area Middle School.

Becahi senior center/ forward, Bridget Smith, said, "It was really great, and I just thought finally, after four years, getting a district championship. It was such a good feeling."

For Smith, it was four years in the making. On Saturday, it took four quarters, literally.

"I think in the beginning, we didn't come out and play defense, and once we went to zone, we played really well," said Smith.

At halftime, Coach Lanscek told his team that once they got the lead, the game would belong to the Hawks.

"Believe that," he said.

With over four minutes left in the fourth quarter, Becahi freshman, Danielle Griffin, put the Hawks ahead 38-36. A three-pointer by freshman teammate, Nia Mims, gave the Hawks their biggest lead of the game.

Southern Lehigh responded with two points of its own, but Mims hit another three, making the score 44-38.

With 1:30 on the clock, the Spartans hit a three, and followed up with another, tying the game 44-44.

"That was a bit shocking. We thought we had it," Smith said.

At the Hawks' end of the court, Griffin got the rebound off a missed shot by Lacherza and scored to put Becahi up by two. Becahi forward, Kalista Walters, picked off a Spartan pass and got fouled. Walters sunk both free throws before Southern Lehigh missed two shots, and Lacherza got fouled, sinking both her free throws with ten seconds to go.

Smith said, "[We knew] when it comes down to the end, you have to want it more."

Smith finished the game with 5 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 blocks.

"I did notice I was drawing a lot of fouls when they were going over the top of me," said Smith.

Griffin, who Coach Lanscek described as playing with ice water in her veins, was the Hawks' top scorer with 17 points. Mims was also in double digits with 13 points.

Three days earlier, Becahi defeated Central Catholic, 38-32, in the district semifinal at Parkland High School to earn a berth in Saturday's final.

Although Becahi led for most of the game, the Vikettes pulled to within one point toward the end of the fouth quarter.

Smith said, "We started getting the ball to Kalista, and they would double team her, so she would pass it to me. The last time, I passed it to her."

Becahi will begin its run at states with a game against Archbishop Prendergast on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. at Allen High School.