In basketball, you spend a lot of time looking up, whether it's eyeing up a jumper from the elbow, or watching the ball as it clatters around the rim, anticipating where it will drop so you can snag the rebound.

However, once the season ends, that focus shifts to looking ahead.

And for the Whitehall boys basketball team that will mean life without six seniors, five of whom were starters on a squad that finished 16-12 and made it to the finals of the District XI 4A Boys Basketball Championships.

That's a heavy loss to graduation, and head coach Jeff Jones refuses to see it as a liability. In fact, it just means more opportunity for some underclassman to fill those roles.

"Opportunity is a big thing we talk about," said Jones. "It certainly going to be an opportunity for the J.V. guys."

Jones said that the junior varsity had a good season, finishing the year at 15-4.

"We're hoping that some of that translates into next season," Jones said.

Still, the loss of those six seniors will have a great impact, especially from an offensive standpoint. They lose center Brett Radocha, a first team all- Eastern Pennsylvania Conference selection who led the team in scoring with 14 points per game this season. His presence in the paint defensively also helped them stay competitive on the boards against much bigger teams throughout the league.

They also lose forwards Saquon Barkley and Jacob Buskirk, two players who were tenacious rebounders for the Zephs this season. Barkley was also a player who blossomed this season, showcasing his offensive skills, finishing the season with a little over 4 ppg this year.

They also lose Jacob Meyers who was third in team scoring with 6.6 ppg, while guards Chad Rex (4.8 ppg) and Nick Hassler (4.3 ppg) will also depart the program.

Buskirk, Radocha, Meyers and Rex have played an integral part in the program their entire varsity careers, with the latter three logging starters minutes since their sophomore seasons. Additionally, Barkley and Hassler made major contributions this season, helping the Zephs reach the postseason in the EPC as well as districts.

"Those six seniors were the leaders and they set the example at practice," Jones said.

He said that among that group a couple of guys stepped forward and brought a laser-like focus to their preparation each day, helping propel them into the district finals and the PIAA tourney.

"I really think that leadership was part of that." Jones said. "They really buckled down, did what they had to do, and led by example."

Jones said that every season is different, and he's not sure he's gone into a new season having to replace five senior starters.

Still, they return three players who logged significant varsity minutes this season. That group is led by Mikey Esquilin who was second in team scoring at 7.8 ppg, while guard Gianni Sinatore and forward Logan McGinley were valuable contributors off the bench.

Esquilin is still recovering from a broken hand he suffered in their district win over Northampton, but he's currently champing at the bit to get back on the court. Esquilin proved throughout the season that he wasn't afraid of the moment, something that will carry over to his sophomore season.

He knows that challenges lie ahead, especially since each team in the Skyline Division next year has the potential to be improved, beginning with league and district champs Parkland who return all five starters.

Still, it comes back to opportunity and Jones said they'll probably take a month off until they're back at the gym going at it again. That's when players can start seizing those opportunities.