Like he has seen in the past, Whitehall veteran head boys’ basketball coach Jeff Jones again believes his team can begin to peak late in the season.

Last season, the Zephyrs won seven of their last nine regular-season games and advanced to the district Class 6A semifinals, where they lost to Northampton. From there, Whitehall moved on to the opening round of the state playoffs, dropping a 52-38 decision to Chambersburg that ended their season with an overall 19-9 record.

With three starters back in the fold, Jones is optimistic his club can make another deep run playing a consistent transition game. A seemingly tight team bond will help.

“The team figures to have more depth than last year which should help maintain playing with pace this season,” noted Jones. “I really like this group of guys and they seem to enjoy being around each other.”

Senior Seth Hoderewski is the team’s leading returning scorer (10.6), and senior Talon Dogmanits (9.7 points per game) and brother junior Tanner (7.1 ppg) round out an effective guard trio. Fellow senior Cole Richards also logged key varsity minutes last season.

Jones will also look to newcomers Cole Rozycki, Josh Roman, Omari Ratliff, CJ Lowe, Jack Lloyd, Owen Gilfert, Carson Strauss, Max Hove, Starlin Abreu to work their way into the rotation.

He is optimistic the team can make any necessary adjustments.

“The team is hoping to play a fairly up-tempo style with the strength of the team early in the season being the return of three starting guards in the Dogmanits brothers and Hoderewski,” said Jones.

“We have some capable newcomers who will play important roles in the ultimate success of the team including Lloyd and Roman at guard spots, while Rozycki, Lowe, Ratliff, and Richards will be asked to control the boards.”

Over the past few months, Hoderewski has continued to develop his game and has seen plenty of progression from his teammates.

“Everyone on the team worked hard and tried to figure out what their role is on the team. From the starting five to the last guy on the bench every guy has an important role on our team,” Hoderewski said. “And that is emphasized by the coaches throughout the year. For myself through the years I’ve figured out what I can do to make my team win.

“As a freshman and sophomore, my role was to be an energy booster off the bench and to have a nonstop motor. This year not just myself but also Talon Dogmanits, and Cole Richards, who both have had varsity minutes as underclassmen. We are looking to use our experience from the previous years to lead the team to another successful season.”

Jones remains optimistic that his group can piece everything together to be playing basketball early next year. He will be assisted by Corey Frantz, Eric Dogmanits, Tom Keppel, Ethan Ringenberger, and Bryce Bashore. Zach Gilbert and Ty Holubowski lead the junior high team, and Matt Shultz and Keith O’Brien are guiding the middle school team.

“If the group can figure out roles early in the season more success will follow as the season progresses,” emphasized Jones. “Younger guys may take a little bit of time to be comfortable playing important minutes.

“We have a nice blend of some other young sophomores and two freshmen round out the team. By February we hope to be playing our best basketball with the gained experience.”