With winter giving way to spring … er …. maybe, it's time to say good-bye to another year of boys basketball at Whitehall High School.

Heading into the season head coach Jeff Jones had a squad that was returning a number of players with varsity experience, giving promise to a season that was still filled with a number of question marks. Even with their contingent of returnees, their roster was replete with new additions.

But when the bell rang, the Zephs served notice they would be a contender in the Lehigh Valley Conference, roaring out to a 9-3 record. That quick start was a bit unexpected, even for Jones.

"With a lot of new faces, I thought it would take a bit longer to jell," said Jones.

Two of their wins were over top-flight programs, as the Zephs defeated Parkland during that stretch, and then later downed Wilson West-Lawn in a taut thriller on a snowy Saturday at Zephyr Gymnasium.

They were led by their seniors Aaron Keglovits and Matt Melosky, both of whom were veterans of fierce LVC battles. Those two helped forge the fast start.

They also benefited by the strong scoring of center Brett Radocha who emerged as one of the leading post players in the conference. His inside play was augmented by point guard Chad Rex who was entering his second season running the offense.

Additionally, Jacob Meyers was another backcourt player who entered the year with some varsity experience, providing some more offensive punch.

They seemed to be building a strong year, taking the court with a solid mix of veterans and youngsters that were playing well.

However, both he and his coaching staff knew they would be hard pressed to sustain that momentum.

"As coaches we understood that as the season went on, the challenges would become greater," said Jones.

Unfortunately, their momentum stalled, and Jones felt the snowy weather didn't do his team any favors. He said from Jan. 30 to Fe. 6, his team didn't get into the gym to practice, disrupting their schedule. While everyone was facing the same situation, he felt it adversely impacted them, hampering their routine.

"From my perspective, it was probably the most difficult year to manage," said Jones. "You're faced with, when do you push at practice, and when do you back off. It was difficult to manage trying to figure out what was best for the group."

They had an opportunity to make the league playoffs, but got beat by the Trojans in the last regular season game, extinguishing their hopes.

The Zephs still made the district playoffs, drawing Liberty High School in the opening round. That appearance was brief, however, losing to the 'Canes to end their season, finishing at 13-10.

The Zephs will graduate a number of key players, including Keglovits who averaged 10.0 points per game. He played all four years for the maroon and gold, and was named to this year's LVC all-star team.

"He was steady the whole season," said Jones. "There were very few games that he didn't play well, and some that he played very well, capping it off with his last game. He was terrific."

They'll also lose Matt Melosky. Jones said that Melosky's progression on the floor helped them achieve another successful season.

"From last year to this year, he had a tremendous amount of growth," said Jones. "He really dedicated himself to basketball."

Also departing the program are Seth Rissmiller, Marcus Esquilin and Ryan Bonshak, all of whom played integral parts in their success.

"They were great in practice, never complained, and were very good teammates," said Jones. "They were great kids."

Looking ahead, the Zephs still have a good nucleus on which to build. Jones said they have 66 percent of their offense returning, giving them a strong scoring base.

"That's certainly a nice foundation for next year," Jones said.

Returning will be Radocha who led the team in points. He averaged 12.6 ppg, and was also named to the LVC all-star team.

Rex also will be back to run the point. He averaged 7.7 ppg and will be an important piece heading into his senior season.

His backcourt mate, Meyers is another returnee. He averaged 6.6 ppg and will be counted on to provide points from the perimeter.

Jones said that these three started every game with the exception of senior night, giving them a solid corps to

Additionally, Jake Buskirk and Gianni Sinatore will be back. They both were major contributors, with the former the first player off Jones' bench, while Sinatore spent time at both guard positions. Saquon Barkley is another returning player who got significant minutes, providing some help inside. They'll also see the return of Mustafa Mitchell, Pablo Peralta, Logan McGinley and Andre Diokmedian.

Jones said that ideally they'd like to have a good mix of younger players to go along with their veterans to have "a nice blend."

He said the work now begins to make 2014-2015 another successful year as they will begin their off-season programs.