It might be safe to say Bethlehem Catholic again will be a force in the Class 4A bracket of the PIAA boys’ basketball tournament.

The Golden Hawks, who advanced to the state semifinals last season, quickly dismantled Philadelphia-based Prep Charter, 89-61, in the opening round of the state tournament at Liberty High School March 8.

Becahi, 26-3, winners of 12 straight, advanced to play Lower Moreland at Souderton High School in the second round Tuesday night, which comes after Press deadlines. They defeated Lower Moreland, 79-58, in the District 1/11 4A subregional last season.

After capturing the District 11 title with a win over Allentown Central Catholic a week earlier, the Golden Hawks didn’t show any signs of sluggishness, as they soared out to a 24-4 lead in the game’s first four minutes and looked to be in fifth gear.

Prep Charter (15-8), the fifth team from District 12, finally found its rhythm in the second quarter and managed to stay with 15 minutes into the third quarter. However, the Huskies didn’t have any answers defensively for the Golden Hawks most of the night

But Becahi freshman Jalil Schenck drained a pair of consecutive threes to balloon the lead to 71-50 late in the third frame and left little doubt of the outcome

Justin Paz, who had 17 of his game-high points in the first half, was one of four Golden Hawks in double figures. Julian Thomas had 17, Ryan Santana 16 and Kyle Young had 11. Young also had a solid game in the paint with 10 rebounds and seven blocks.

“We had a great start and we were really getting out and going,” said Thomas. “We knew they were a trapping team. We handled everything and we took control. We got to control the tempo and push.”

Young sees his team peaking at the right time.

“I wasn’t surprised how we took control,” said Young. “I believe in our guys and we all believe in each other. We knew they would make runs, but we are handling our success well.”

Paz, who became the program’s all-time leading scorer in January and who had hit his share of big shots all season, is confident his team can make another deep run if they stay in gear.

“Playing our game is vital for us,” said the senior. “We know we can’t switch anything up at this point. It’s not a matter of who we play. Instead, it’s about us doing what we need to do.

“We have to see how we match up and play to the level of our competition. We always believe in ourselves and that has been a big key for us.”