The Zephyr boys basketball team rode the hot hand of Jake Meyers who helped stake them to an early lead against Bethlehem Catholic High School, and then held on for a much needed 62-57 league victory on Tuesday night.

After compiling a double-digit lead for most of the game, the Zephyrs allowed the Golden Hawks to trim the lead to 49-40 with 5:52 left to play in the game. Bethlehem Catholic was able to close the gap thanks to back-to-back threes by Freddie Simmons, prompting a timeout.

The lead was further whittled down when Chance Neilly was fouled en route to the bucket, reducing the Zephs lead to seven, 51-44.

However, Saquon Barkley's two consecutive layups, the second one a nifty reverse move under the bucket, catapulted the Zephs back into a double-digit lead, and from that point they managed to fend off the pesky Hawks despite being outscored by nine points in the final frame.

The victory gets them back to .500 in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, and gives them a 7-4 overall record for the year.

One of the main reasons the Zephs were able to get back to even in conference play was the perimeter shooting of Meyers who finished with a game-high 14 points. Meyers, fresh off his MVP performance at their Holiday Classic, continued his hot scoring, draining 10 of his 14 points before intermission.

The senior guard said that his stroke has been getting better as the year's progressed.

"It's definitely picked up since the beginning of the year," said Meyers. "But like I said numerous times before, I wouldn't be where I am without the guys getting me the ball. They're all generous. Everyone shares the ball. No one's selfish and cares about their scoring. We all do a good job of that."

While Meyers connected a few times from the left baseline, he said he didn't have a favorite spot on the floor; he just shoots when the opportunity arises.

"Wherever I get the ball and I'm open, I'll look to shoot, look to score," said Meyers.

Meyers said the win was a little sloppy, but they demonstrated enough resiliency to get the job done.

"We fought hard enough, came up with enough stops, and scored enough buckets to get the win." said Meyers. Before the Golden Hawks comeback, head coach Jeff Jones made wholesale changes as part of their substitution rotation.

"We're trying to give some guys some opportunities, and we probably subbed too large of a group together," said Jones. "I probably should have piecemealed it a little bit more. But we're trying to give guys opportunities. We're halfway through the season and someone's going to get hurt, something's going to happen, and you're going to have to have somebody to fill that spot."

Jones said that for the majority of the season, the team has benefited from their substitutions with guys bringing energy off the bench. Sometimes going to the bench is the boost they need since the starters may not be playing well.

"I'm going to continue to rely on those guys because we need more than five guys," he said.

Even with the starters in place, the Hawks continued to claw into the lead. However, Meyers, Nick Hassler and Brett Radocha helped seal the game by converting at the foul line.

Meyers ability to get them rolling with his outside scoring was a key to winning the Classic as well, a shot that's steadily improved.

"He's really been shooting the ball well lately," said Jones. "Teams are going to sit in a zone, and Jake is certainly one of those guys who we want to get shots. He shoots the ball pretty well from the corners, and we were looking to sit him down in the corners."

While Meyers helped them get an early advantage, Radocha, Hassler, Barkley, Chad Rex and Mikey Esquilin were all key contributors. Radocha finished with 10 points, while Hassler ended with nine, Esquilin dropped in eight, Rex added seven, and Barkley finished with six.

Meyers knows that they have to continue to play at a higher level if they want to achieve their goals.

"We have to keep working and keep getting better, and then look forward to Allen on Friday," said Meyers.