With another boys basketball season completed, the Zephyrs demonstrated a resiliency that took them into the playoffs, an experience that will hopefully lay the groundwork for the future.

As the season unfolded, the Zephs were struggling for consistency, trying to incorporate a lot of new faces into a line-up that lost most of its starters to graduation. It took a while to get their footing as they were mired in a 4-6 mark to start the season.

However, head coach Jeff Jones knew they had the foundation for a good team. It was a matter of getting everyone comfortable, and in step with their assignments

"It kind of took shape the way most inexperienced teams would," said Jones. "The starters slowly had to figure out their roles. They weren't sure of their roles, and exactly what was needed."

Jones said it was a process of finding out what each guy could do. That took about a third of the season, and once they established what each player was best suited for, their fortunes quickly changed. That process also involved defining their roles in their match defense, a critical piece of their identity that also helped them reverse their fortunes.

"As soon as we figured that out, the team really came together as a group," said Jones.

They went on a 8-4 run and made it into the district playoffs. They were bounced in a tough opening round game against Stroudsburg High School, putting to rest a 12-11 season.

The team loses a number of seniors, all of whom made an impact on their journey back to the postseason. Senior guard Anthony Bellucci led the team in scoring, averaging 12.3 points per game. They'll also lose forward Seth Sommer and guard James Wah, two quick, talented players who could handle the rock as well as sink a few buckets. Also leaving will be forward Nick Shafnisky and center Damon Meckes, both of whom were solid interior players.

Jones said one of the biggest challenges coming into this season was where to find points, indicating that only ten percent of their scoring was coming back this year. They got a bulk of it from Bellucci, but sophomore Brett Radocha (6.9 ppg) and junior Aaron Keglovits (6.8 ppg) emerged as reliable contributors, helping the Zephs climb into the postseason.

With those two as the backbone, the team will have s sturdy foundation. That mix will also include point guard Chad Rex (4.3 ppg), and forwards Jeff Charles and Matt Melosky. In addition, Seth Rissmiller, Devante Mickle and Jacob Meyers should help provide depth.

This returning crop of players accounted for fifty percent of the scoring this year, minimizing the need to fill such a scoring void that they faced this year.

"That really makes a big difference," said Jones. "We'll have a pretty good idea where we'll get points."

Still, Jones said he's going to need guys who are going to be consistent scorers, similar to what Bellucci accomplished this year. He also stressed the importance of leadership, citing Shafnisky's contribution in that area as something to emulate.

"Nick's leadership was evident," said Jones. "He understood what leadership was about and what needed to be done and how to prepare for a game.

"I think he set a great example for the underclassman in that regard. "Now, someone will have to step forward and assume that role."

Jones said he was encouraged by the progress of Rex throughout the season. At one point the guard was averaging less than two points per game, but as he got comfortable, his confidence grew along with his scoring, finishing the year with a 4.3 average.

"He really started to emerge as a scoring threat," said Jones, pointing to his 10-point performance in their final game.

While it's going to difficult to fill the shoes of the departing seniors, Jones said that his returnees are committed to put in the work to get the team back into the playoffs.

"It's a lot of hard work, but I think we have the guys coming back who are willing to put in the time and effort," said Jones.