Bethlehem Catholic's girls basketball team will move on to the second round of PIAA State basketball playoffs this week after defeating District 12's Bonner-Prendergast, 62-40, in a first-round game last Saturday night at Freedom High School.

"We knew they had one main scorer, so we knew if we shut her down, and their post player, it would be an easier win," said Becahi junior, Kalista Walters.

It was Hawk guard, Janelle Robinson, who would have the main responsibility of shutting down the Pandas' Alyssa Monaghan, who scored 13 points.

"[At halftime], we were trying to make adjustments on the post player because she was getting good touches. It was successful for the most part, and Janelle was playing good defense on Monaghan," Walters said.

Ironically, Becahi's highest-scoring quarter came in the third with 21 points, when Walters was on the bench for a time in foul trouble.

"It's a state game, and I wanted the opportunity to get the lead, so I was just hoping it would continue and not decrease," she said.

Soon after, the Hawks scored eight straight points to take a 48-27 lead.

Danielle Griffin, also in foul trouble, made a layup, followed by a layup from Maggie Melhem. Nia Mims hit two free throws, and Melhem scored on another layup.

Also scoring for the Hawks against the Pandas were Walters, Robinson and Jordynn Jones.

The Hawks will face District II's Scranton Prep this Wednesday at Hazleton High School.

"We're working on defense and locking up on the guards, and seeing who their main scorer is," said Walters.