Two years ago, Garrett Oplinger realized the Northampton boys' basketball program needed some time to mature along the way.

Now, as a senior, Oplinger is watching the program come full circle, and he continues to be a key contributor.

Oplinger has been his team's leading scorer throughout the season and he poured in a game-high 22 points in a recent 64-46 victory over arch-rival Catasauqua. The victory was the K-Kids fourth of the season, and it was one less than their combined victories over the past two seasons.

The previous night, the Kids dropped a 74-36 thumping from Parkland during a night in which they dedicated and renamed their gym in memory of Pete Schneider.

"We took out our anger and frustration in the game (to Catty) after the (Parkland loss)," said Oplinger. "We have a close team and we all get along this year. We have been playing well and we have a good mix of older and younger players." Oplinger cited a new-found chemistry and dedication that has lifted the Kids into the East Penn Conference race. He also knows the importance of roles on the team as Oplinger has assumed his role as the shooter.

"The chemistry is definitely better," he said. "We all had a great summer together. I spent the summer working on my shooting and we all have been doing what we do well. It has been a matter of putting it all together."

Head coach Coy Stampone, who is in his third year at the helm, finally is seeing his system fall into place. The Kids began the week with an overall 4-2 record and played Emmaus Monday night. They will face Quakertown in the opening round of the Salisbury Tournament Dec. 27.

"We played a very good team in Parkland," said Stampone. "We have had trouble coming back the next day after a Friday night game. But we beat Blue Mountain in a similar situation earlier, and we had a good effort against Catasauqua.

"The kids had a good attitude the morning after the Parkland game and we had a good shoot around. We have taken some big steps and we want to continue to build on it."

Oplinger, who is undecided on his college choices and is likely to pursue a career in athletics, also sees a bright future ahead for him and his teammates.

"We can get above .500 this year and make districts," he stated. "We didn't play as well as we could against Parkland and we were a little scared. They are very good, but we know we can compete against anyone.

"We just have to stay confident and keep this going."