By halftime of Northampton’s girls’ first round PIAA state playoff basketball game against Philadelphia Central High School, Kids’ coach Jeff Jacksits was stressing fundamentals and the importance of running through their plays.

Then Jacksits watched as Northampton increased its lead from 27 points to 37 points and posted a 63-26 victory over the Lancers last Friday at Freedom High School.

Aja Blount was the top scorer of the night with 19 points, followed by Jenna Rogers with 16 points, and Victoria Keenan with 11 points.

“All of us know where each other are on the court, and good passing contributes to a lot of our shots,” said Rogers. “When I was open, my team found me, and it kept our momentum going.”

Both Blount and Jade Rindock hit three pointers toward the end of the second quarter, emphasizing their lead over the Lancers whose shots seemed to stop falling.

“We put a lot of focus on new offenses against defenses we thought we’d see, and on full court pressure,” Rogers said.

Leading 57-19 at the end of the third quarter, Jacksits replaced his starters for the fourth when Lauren Yeaw scored six points for the K-Kids.

Andrea Stanton was Central’s leading scorer with nine points, which included a three pointer to start the game.

“They didn’t have a lot of size, but they were quick,” said Rogers. “We are focusing on each team we play.”

Northampton is scheduled to face Abington in the second round of state playoffs on March 16 at Souderton Area High School.