Editor's note: Wednesday's game between Liberty and Whitehall took place after Press deadlines.

While cabin fever may be a common residential malady facing people who feel like their four walls are closing in on them, Zephyr boys basketball head coach Jeff Jones is fine being cooped up in a gym all day.

In fact, Jones relishes the time on the practice floor. It gives him an opportunity to teach, and that's what he finds most enjoyable.

"I like the teaching part of practice," said Jones. "I enjoy that more so than the games."

Jones has been doing a lot of teaching as they wait for district play to begin. With the snow piled up outside, the team has been hunkered in the gym getting in their work. And right now Jones is formulating a game plan, trying to figure out a strategy to get past Liberty High School and into the quarterfinal round against top-seeded Pocono Mountain East High School.

Liberty (11-11) will enter the tourney as the ninth seed. It will be the second meeting between the schools this year. Back on Jan. 4, the Zephs defeated the 'Canes 57-53 at Liberty's Memorial Gymnasium. Their rematch will be at Zephyr Gymnasium on Feb. 19.

Even though the 'Canes starting lineup has fluctuated much of the year, Jones said they'll see the same team that took the floor in their last meeting. That knowledge will give them a good feel for their opponent, allowing them to prepare for that situation.

"I think we have a pretty good idea of what we'll be up against and what we'll face," said Jones.

As they make their preparations, Jones said the Zephyrs have averaged about 55 points per game this season. Conversely, they're giving up a little over 52 points per game.

"That's a small margin for error," said Jones.

While they held the 'Canes to that season average, Jones said stopping forward Deshawn Oyeniyi will be crucial in getting through to the next round. Oyeniyi recorded a double-double (rebounds and points) in that game, finishing with 25 points. The senior is averaging 17.4 points per game this season, and was an honorable mention for Lehigh Valley Conference all-star this year.

"He's certainly a guy who's a big concern for us." said Jones.

In their first meeting, Jones said they got off to a good start. He said they would need to duplicate that effort in order to maximize their chances of winning.

In that win, the Zephs benefited from balanced scoring, with three players hitting double figures (Brett Radocha 13 points, Aaron Keglovits 11 points, Jake Meyers 11 points), and two more just under that mark (Matt Melosky nine points, Chad Rex eight points).

The Zephs have their own all stars, with Radocha and Keglovits being named to the first team all LVC this season. Keglovits is averaging 10.5 points per game this year, while Radocha leads the team with a 12.9 average.

Jones said that once again they'll need contributions across the board if they're to be successful. If they succeed in getting everyone involved, it makes them that much more difficult to cover.

Jones said that Liberty head coach Chad Landis will have his team well prepared. He said that while knowing what to expect from the 'Canes will be helpful; however, the same is true for Liberty when devising a game plan against them.

To counteract that familiarity, Jones said they've added a few new wrinkles that they'll unveil against Liberty. Still, it comes down to execution and how well they play.