Before every game, Whitehall girls head basketball coach Dwight Repsher has some imparting words that serve as the foundation of what they want to accomplish.

In the case against Liberty High School, those two words happened to be determination and concentration, and those two nouns played a big part in securing the win over the Hurricanes.

Those words were best demonstrated at the foul line as the Zephs went 10-10 in the final period to nail down the 52-41 victory at Memorial Gymnasium. It was also in the way they forged ahead after trailing by as many as 13 points in the first half, using a combination of deft outside shooting and some tough interior play to get the win.

"That's exactly what we did down the stretch," said Repsher whose team is now 5-8. "We were locked in, that's what it was."

And it was ultimately in the way they responded when Repsher called a timeout after the 'Canes hit a three-pointer to cut the lead to one with about three minutes left in the game. He said they decided to "change things up a bit," to counter the 'Canes attempt to take the lead. It was also the moment when Taylor George asserted herself in the huddle.

"She said, 'Let's go, we're not going to lose this,'" said Repsher.

The Zephs got to that point on a three-pointer by George who finished the game with 17 points to lead the team. Her trey came right before the 'Canes struck back to cut it to one. But the point guard wasn't about to let a quick answer spoil their comeback.

"Down the stretch, she just got determined," said Repsher. "She wasn't about to lose."

Repsher said a number of players echoed her fiery demeanor. They had contributions across the board as Jillian Kreglow hauled in a big rebound late in the game.

"She just went and got it," said Repsher.

Kreglow finished the game with four points.

Ashley Barber was also instrumental in the win, sinking eight free throws to help cement the victory. She finished with 10 points.

Repsher said that Karly Klein had another strong game as she knocked down three from the field and one from the line to finish with seven points.

During another timeout when the team was up five, Repsher said that Ivanna Jones was going to the line with an opportunity to extend the lead.

"I said, "this is what we're going to do when we go up by seven,'" Repsher said, indicating that Jones didn't bat an eye, and sank the two free throws.

Jones ended the game with nine points.

LeAnna Cruz also played a role, scoring a three-pointer, while Jillian Rex chipped in with two.

Repsher said that they all had a hand in the victory, and that's what they need in order to maintain this current upswing that's seen them win five out of their last seven games.

While they've been beneficiaries of determination and concentration, Repsher said that another component has been their mental fortitude.

"It appears that we're almost at the point where we're finding ways to win," he said.

Over the last seven games, they've been able to get that big rebound, or a tough shot, and that's helped turn their season around. Repsher said it's become contagious, and once you believe you can win, that makes a big difference.

Liberty came into the contest a game above .500, and Repsher said that their ability to withstand that early deficit showed they can make a

"That was really a good win for us," he said.

With Tuesday's game canceled because of the snow, the Zephs are facing the possibility of five games in seven days. He said that gives them little time to prepare in their push toward the playoffs. However, everyone is in the same boat, and it's how a team responds to those challenges that will make a difference.

He said their success will be determined on winning the games they're capable of winning in an effort to get to 11 victories. It's something they can accomplish as they've shown over these last eight games.

"If we play well in those close games, we can do that," said Repsher.