“District championships don’t just happen,” Bethlehem Catholic girls basketball coach Jose Medina stressed after the Golden Hawks were crowned District XI Class 5A champions with a 41-28 victory over Bangor last Saturday afternoon at Easton Area Middle School.

“It was an intense game. I think we shot like 27% but thank goodness... I just think when their backs are against the wall, they do a great job of persevering and pushing forward.”

The game between the Hawks and the Slaters started out in typical-enough fashion for Becahi, as they maintained a seven-to-eight-point lead throughout the first half, but momentum turned toward Bangor in the third quarter when the Hawks were held to just two points.

Those two points came at the end of the third on a basket by Cydney Stanton with five seconds left.

“We got good looks, but I think we play so hard defensively that it takes away our own legs,” Medina said. “What’s the identity of our team? It’s defense. We like to get the game muddy.”

Although Bangor didn’t score until well into the third quarter, the Slaters fired things up when Kaylee Holland scored off her own rebound, Julia Pinter added two more points, and McCormick Karner converted two free throws.

Medina credited “unlikely sources” for putting the spark back into Becahi’s offense in the fourth quarter.

“Ella (Bincarosky) found herself in a big spot and had a big offensive put back,” he said.

Akasha Santos followed with a bucket off a pass from Stanton in transition and was fouled, connecting on her free throw.

“That’s the way it’s been all year. Rely on somebody to get hot,” said Medina.

After Holland’s three-point play, Becahi guard Cici Hernandez drained a 3-pointer, and Santos added two more points, putting the Hawks lead into double digits.

“Another goal accomplished together and this team surprised me because they had lofty goals to win leagues, districts, become a state champion, and it doesn’t just happen,” Medina said. “It’s the coaching staff, the trainers, and I’m so proud of all of them.”

On top of that, Medina noted that eight former players came to support the Hawks on Saturday afternoon.

“Amazing,” he said.

Now, Becahi will pursue their third goal of the season as they enter the PIAA State Class 5A tournament this Wednesday when they will host District 3’s Greencastle at 7 p.m.