For Whitehall’s Luke Keppel, making successful adjustments has been part of his basketball career.

He did it during his time in the Zephyrs’ basketball program, and it helped him became a 1,000-point scorer in the process as well as leading them into the state playoffs.

This past winter, Keppel made the shift again, becoming an integral part of the DeSales’ program as a freshman. Keppel played in all 25 games, averaging 7.4 points and 18.3 minutes per game.

It was about adapting to a new tempo in a new environment.

“Adjusting to the college game was challenging because the day-to-day in practice were tough,” noted Keppel. “The speed and pace of games took a little time to get used too. From a playing perspective I was able to make positive contributions right from the start and started a couple games by the end of the season.”

Overall, it was a good start.

“The first year at DeSales went great,” beamed Keppel. “I adjusted quickly to the academic, basketball, and social aspects. We had a small but strong senior class that really did an amazing job from day one getting me and all the other freshman settled in.”

DeSales head coach Scott Coval is confident Keppel can take the next step.

“Luke is a terrific kid,” boasted Coval. “He had a very good first year with us and we anticipate him having a terrific career. He has the potential to develop into an all-conference, all-region type of player – tough, strong, excellent shooter, competes every game, very unselfish, can make shots off screens or off the dribble, has the ability to drive and finish at the rim. And a great person to coach and be around.”

Keppel is keeping his game at a high level, playing for Daku Auto Body in the Catasauqua Summer Basketball League. He is joined by former Zephyr teammates A.J. Hines, Ethan Ringenberger, and Gavin and Mason Roberts.

“The competition in the Catty League is pretty good,” said Keppel. “Summer is going great so far. Working in the weight room, on conditioning along with speed and agility almost every day.”

Like his coach, Keppel is looking forward to reach the next level at DeSales.

“We ended up missing the conference playoffs by one game,” said Keppel. “So that was a little disappointing. We will miss the seniors that are moving on but I feel really good about the guys we have coming back and first year guys coming in.”