Taylor George has been the basketball team's sparkplug this season, igniting the Zephyrs offense as they vie for a conference playoff berth heading into the final two weeks of the season.

Having already clinched a district playoff spot with their win over Parkland High School last week, the Zephs were looking to pad their Eastern Pennsylvania Conference résumé with a win over Allentown Central Catholic last Friday. But those plans, while still very much alive, were momentarily halted as the Vikettes stormed to a 48-26 win.

While that loss was a setback for the surging Zephs - winners of five-in-a-row heading into that game - George believes it was just a temporary bump in the road. They can still nail down the wildcard if they hold onto the eighth spot, something they'll look to do versus their Skyline Division foes the last four games.

George said they were distracted by the aura surrounding Central Catholic, a powerful program that's always in the running for a state championship.

"We were a little nervous, and we knew that this was going to be a double-header (with the boys game following), and it was a lot to look forward to, with all the people," so I just think it was a lot of nerves in general," said George who's averaging 10.4 points this season. "I just didn't think we had the right mindset."

The girls played the opener during Whitehall's Hall of Fame Night which inducted two individuals and two teams between the varsity basketball games.

Once the game got underway, George said the Vikettes defense prevented them from establishing any rhythm which was compounded by their lack of ball movement on offense.

Head coach Dwight Repsher felt a contributing factor was a lack of emotion. They were playing the same defense that allowed them to win the game against Parkland, but were flat vs. Central.

"We didn't communicate; it was just a total meltdown," said Repsher.

George also said they lacked defensive intensity, something they've demonstrated during the winning streak. That was further hampered by their lack of communication.

"I think that all goes back to being nervous," she said.

Still, they were only down by nine heading into the break. But once the second half started, the Vikettes went on a 22-7 run that put the game out of reach.

The Zephs tried to offset that momentum, getting some tough inside baskets from Karly Klein to go along with the perimeter shooting of Jill Rex, but the Vikettes kept their foot on the gas.

One of the main contributors during that run was Alyssa Mack who led all scorers with 16 points. The Vikettes ability to get open looks, combined with the Zephs inability to get any consistency on offense was something that needs to be addressed.

"We need to go back and reevaluate," said Repsher.

During the winning streak, George averaged 12.8 ppg, helping put the Zephs in position to get a district berth. She said this year's success was rooted in the adjustments made by coach Repsher.

"It's been possible because we've been working so much more together as a team, rather than individual play," said George. "We've been running plays, looking for each other."

George also said that their effort on defense has been another factor that's earned them a berth.

"It's been outstanding," said George. "We've been holding down teams that have been scoring a lot, so I think those are a lot of keys."

The Zephs are usually at a disadvantage inside, having to match up with taller teams almost every game. But George said their bigs are good at boxing out, something's that reinforced by the guards. Even against the Vikettes whose frontcourt was several inches taller, Klein and Kreglow and Ivanna Jones mixed it up inside, fighting for control of the boards.

In addition, George said that the guards are getting in position for open looks or making drives and kicking it out to the open player.

"Everybody's looking to do what they need to do," she said.

Against ACC Jill Rex led the way with seven points while Klein added six and Kreglow netted five.

Still, many times the Vikettes were able to get off multiple shots during a possession as they controlled the offensive boards. They were led by the trio of Kali Buckenmyer, Darcy Wolf and Neila Luma who snared a number of boards.

"We couldn't get a rebound or we didn't want to get a rebound," said Repsher. "Later on when we started to get our hands on some balls, they were bouncing off or we couldn't control it."

While the loss will sting for a bit, Whitehall can still bounce back and make the EPC tourney.

George's role as floor general this season has helped guide the Zephs to the playoffs.

"As a point guard, I want to take control out there," said George. "I want to be a leader on the court. I look forward to every opportunity to try and create things, to try and dribble and penetrate and look for my open shot."

"We know this isn't where it ends," said George. "Our season continues and we're looking to get that eighth spot. I think it's possible because we have big games coming up and they're all in our division, so as long as we get past this game against Central, we should be able to do it."