It's that time of year when people look back and take stock of their lives, reflecting on where they've been and the people who've been instrumental in their growth and prosperity.

While it applies to individuals, athletic teams can also use that time to look back on people and coaches who have influenced their lives.

That was evident on Tuesday night when a couple of people who have played prominent roles in the Whitehall basketball program were remembered for their contribution and dedication to the sport and the people who play it.

Before the game against Nazareth Area High School, the Zephyrs honored former coach Dick Tracy whose legacy is cemented in the pantheon of Whitehall coaches, notching 205 wins during two stints at the helm. The crowning achievement during that reign was leading the team to a state title in 1981-82 when the Zephyrs defeated New Castle, 42-38 at the old Hersheypark Arena.

The Zephs paid tribute with a court-naming ceremony, unveiling "Coach Tracy Court" before the game against the Blue Eagles.

It was a fitting tribute to a man who has put an indelible stamp on the program. In fact, current head coach Jeff Jones said that many of the coaching principles enacted by Tracy are still adhered to today.

"Forty years later, we're still doing the same things he started," said Jones.

Jones said that Tracy believed in running a patient offense as well as emphasizing execution, two components that the Zephs still firmly rely on today.

He also instituted the match defense, a hallmark of Zephyr teams since its inception. The match has stood the test of time, handed down from Tracy to Ron Hassler then to Jerry Radocha who passed the baton to Jones who runs it as well.

"To be able to maintain the principles he brought [to the program] forty years ago is pretty amazing," said Jones. "All the things that he did on the defensive end, having the match, it's still amazing its lasted this long."

Jones also said that Tracy advocated sharing the ball, something Jones believes in as well, stressing that team goals outweigh individual stats.

Jones said it was Tracy who set the foundation, helping establish Whitehall as a top flight basketball program in the Lehigh Valley.

The pregame also featured a tribute to assistant coach Ron Madouse who passed away earlier this year.

One of Madouse's signature sayings was "We Play Big." That phrase ended up on the T-shirts of the Nazareth players who unveiled them during warm-ups, much to the surprise of Jones.

"That was a really nice gesture," said Jones.

Jones said that while he may have been initially surprised to see the Blue Eagles players decked out in the tees, he said he shouldn't have been stunned to see the outpouring of love and respect directed to their former coach.

"I have a lot of respect for Coach [Joe] Arndt and his staff," said Jones. "They run a program similar to ours, and that was something special to do."

While Madouse's impact was certainly felt on the basketball court, Jones said he left an even greater impression on their lives.

"He was not only a teacher and a coach, but he was a great person," said Jones.

Jones said that everywhere he goes, people stop him and talk about Madouse, sharing thoughts and remembrances. Those feelings are amplified in their locker room. In fact, the Zephs keep a chair reserved for Coach Madouse on the bench with the "We Play Big" T-shirt draped over the back to remind them of their beloved coach.

"We miss him every day," said Jones. "He was an important part of our program."

As for the game, the Zephs put on a defensive display that would have made Tracy proud, said Jones. They won 54-28, raising their record to 4-3.

Jones said that Blue Eagles were averaging 54 points a game, but the Zephyrs managed to handcuff Nazareth, limiting them to single-digit points in each of the four quarters.

"Our defense was just outstanding," said Jones.

Jones said it wasn't just their first group who applied that pressure, indicating that everyone who played was able to maintain that intensity.

The team got early production from senior guard Jake Meyers who hit two treys to start the game, while center Brett Radocha, Chad Rex and Logan McGinley each finished with nine points to pace the Zephs.

The stat sheet was jammed with names, nine in all contributing to the win. It was a balanced attack that was first preached by Tracy.

It was also a league win that ended their two-game losing streak. That win will give them some forward momentum heading into their annual Zephyr Holiday Classic.

Jones said it was nice to be playing on their home court, something that's only happened twice this whole season. The atmosphere also added to the excitement of playing before their home crowd.

"We were pretty pumped up for that," said Jones.

And yes, they certainly played big.