The Northampton girls basketball team is off to a hot start as they look to form their own identity following last year’s success.

The girls started the season at the Owen J. Roberts Tip-Off Tournament winning both of their games. The knocked off Council Rock South 58-48 in the first game and the OJR 59-51 in the second game.

Kylie Gilliard was the tournament MVP and Morgan Sterner was named to the all-tournament team as well.

“The girls played unselfish basketball all weekend,” said head coach Jeff Jacksits. “Each game had different girls stepping up and making contributions.”

Jacksits said in the first game Gilliard and Grace Lesko led the team with 18 points a piece and in the second game Sterner netted 23 points and Taylor Kranzley added 13.

“They really are playing solid team ball,” Jacksits stressed, “and we are looking forward to having a very successful year.”

The girls followed up their tournament weekend with a victory at home over Whitehall on Tuesday to open the EPC schedule. NHS got off to a fast start with 16 points in the first and five in the second to jump out to a 24-14 lead at the half. They then outscored the Zephs 18-13 in the third and 5-2 in the fourth for the victory.

Gilliard finished with a team-high 15 points including three threes. Sterner added 13 points including a three in the first. Kranzley chipped in with 10 which included two three pointers.

Grace Lesko added six, Demchak two and Waiters one point.