The Emmaus High School boys basketball team had an up-and-down regular season, finishing 16-7 overall and 10-6 in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. The Green Hornets qualified for the EPC playoffs, earning the seventh seed, but were beaten by second-seeded Central Catholic in the quarterfinal round back on February 11.

Emmaus still earned a berth in the District 11 Class 6A playoff, which begins this weekend. In that two-week layoff, head coach Steve Yoder and his team have continued to work on their game and want to win a postseason game in this tournament, which would qualify them for states.

“Practices have been spirited, as they have been throughout the year,” said Yoder. “This group really embraces the grind and has made it a fun season. They just love to compete and want to get better every day.”

The longer layoff since EPCs can be difficult to manage and keep the team focused, but Yoder and his staff have found different ways in doing so.

“Just continuing to work on our game and find ways to keep the guys energized,” Yoder said. “There is a long gap between the conference tournament and districts. It can be a challenge for some groups, but this group seems to really enjoy coming to the gym and working on their game.”

The Green Hornets are the fifth seed and will face the fourth seed, Nazareth (19-5, 12-4) in the quarterfinals this Saturday at 1 p.m., at Easton Area Middle School. The Blue Eagles recently played in the EPC championship game, one which is lost to eventual champion Parkland.

“Nazareth is a well-coached team, with athletes and scorers all over the floor,” said Yoder. “They love to get up and down the floor and may be our biggest challenge to date to slow down.”

When on their game, Yoder knows his team can play with anyone, and he’s hoping to see that on Saturday.

“I am looking to see the same old scrappy team I have seen all year,” Yoder said. “They love a challenge and love the underdog role. This is a group that loves to compete and prove people wrong, so we as a staff are really excited to be a part of this challenge with them.”