The Whitehall girls basketball team used a well-balanced attack that found nine players contributing in last Friday’s win over East Stroudsburg South.

The Zephyrs were officially eliminated from the postseason following last week’s loss to Northampton. Still, that didn’t deter them from playing a spirited game against the visiting Cavaliers. They won 52-22, hitting double digits in each period to secure their sixth win of the season.

The Zephyrs were able to convert from the perimeter, led by Kylee Cunningham’s 14 points. The senior connected four times from behind the arc, helping lift the Zephs to their fourth Eastern Pennsylvania Conference victory.

Cunningham said that the win is something that can really boost their confidence, especially offensively.

“A lot of the people were shooting the ball well, and I think our offense is finally working because we’re getting used to it when people are open and when people aren’t open,” said Cunningham. “We’re noticing more people inside so we’re trying to get that done as well.”

Cunningham said that they’ll take what was successful against the Cavaliers and apply to Tuesday’s game against Allentown Central Catholic.

Cunningham knows that the postseason won’t be in her future this year.

“It’s obviously disappointing,” said Cunningham. “No one wants to end their season without going to leagues or districts, especially districts because you need a .500 record. But I think we’re young this year, and it’s given a lot of other players experience, and so we’re helping them build for next year.”

Cunningham believes the time spent on the court this season by the younger players, and the experience that’s come with it, will aid them next year in their development.

Those younger players have been visible throughout the season and Friday’s game was another opportunity to showcase their abilities. Brianna Smith has a nice, soft stroke from the perimeter, and the freshman converted four field goals, including a three-pointer for nine points.

Additionally, Grace Clary and Cassie Due have assumed larger roles down the stretch, with both players chipping in with points from the foul line in the win over ESS.

“We played pretty well,” said head coach Dwight Repsher. “We’re making progress, we execute things, we get good shots. We’re a little young, we’re a little inexperienced, but we’re making progress and it looks like we’re getting a little more confident.”

The Zephs didn’t pressure the entire game. Their 52 points came through their half court offense for the most part. They are able to generate some turnovers and fast break opportunities, but most of their scoring came from offensive sets.

One of the biggest benefactors of playing that style was Alix Buskirk, she can dip inside for two or stay outside and hit shots. The junior guard finished with 12 points.

With their fate already decided, Repsher said that’s important to maintain their focus and work just as hard as they did when they were still in contention for a playoff spot.

“We’re coming to practice and we’re going to work hard at practice every day until it’s done,” said Repsher. “And then we’re going to work over the summer and get ready for next year.”

Repsher said that his players have been “great” all year.

“The record hasn’t been mentioned; the losing hasn’t been mentioned; we’ve really taken it one game at a time,” said Repsher.

Repsher also said that he likes the style they’re playing, noting it’s the style they have to play given some of their size issues.

He said that attitude’s been upbeat and that no one has “mailed it in.” He credits his veterans, especially the seniors, for making sure they approach every game with the intent of playing their best.

Repsher also said that they’ve come a long way since the beginning of the season when they lost to Northwestern.

“I’m not happy that we’re 6-12, but we’ve been in games,” said Repsher. “It’s not for a lack of trying, it’s not for a lack of commitment, it’s not for a lack of any of those things, this is what we have to go through.”

He knew this would be a transition year and that they’re trying to make the best of it.