Bethlehem Catholic’s girls’ basketball team ran away with the EPC final as early as the third quarter when they led Northampton by as many as 18 points in the Hawks’ 59-48 victory over the Konkrete Kids on Saturday at Easton Area Middle School.

“I feel amazing. I feel great. I feel really good,” said Becahi guard Jaleesa Lanier, who scored 11 points in the EPC championship game.

Things were not so guaranteed for the Hawks in the first half when both teams were even, and the lead changed several times.

“Our offense was doing pretty well but our defense was a little slacking, so we were like, listen, defense wins championships and we need to really stretch the D on V (Victoria Keenan), and really come out hard and really come out strong so we can win this game,” Lanier said.

Keenan was the first to score in the game, hitting a three point shot. Northampton freshman Kylie Gilliard also had a three for the KKids early in the game.

“We talked about stretching out on the three point line because they have some shooters, and we really needed to work on our help defense,” said Lanier.

Trailing by five points near the end of the first quarter, Becahi pulled to within two on a three pointer by freshman Kourtney Wilson.

The Hawks also trailed near the end of the second quarter, but Lanier was fouled on a layup and Becahi led 25-23 at halftime.

Becahi’s Abby Brown, Isabelle Rosario, and Wilson combined for seven straight points to start the third quarter and Northampton called a timeout.

The Hawks went on another run for nine more points while the KKids struggled to answer.

“We wanted to slow it down and just control it ourselves, control the tempo, and not rush shots because we were up,” Lanier said. “I felt secure in the win in the fourth quarter when we were all having different fast breaks. We had about three fast breaks, and I was like, listen, we got this, Girls. Come on. Let’s finish it out.”

Wilson had 15 points for the Hawks, and Brown had 14 points. Solei Rodriguez scored six points, Isabelle Rosario scored five, Keyara Walters added three points, Julia Zambo and Briana Barnard had two points each, and Cydney Stanton added one.

“Strength in numbers has been the hashtag for us all year and it was evident tonight,” said Becahi coach Jose Medina. “They know what they can do, and it was great for them to come out here and execute the plan. I’m feeling excited. I’m happy for this group here. I’m happy for these girls, especially for our five seniors, and we’ll get ready for our next one.”