Northampton head girls’ basketball coach Jeff Jacksits understands how this season can be a work in progress with a young club.

The Konkrete Kids began the season with losses to Easton (59-24) and Dieruff (60-24) before they bounced back to defeat Bangor (29-14).

Jacksits expects his team to grow along the way.

“Easton and Dieruff are both quality teams,” he said. “In both those games we had too many turnovers and shot the ball extremely poorly, not a good combination. I think the inexperience was a factor in both losses, but we feel like we are making some progress with each game.”

Jacksits will look to senior center Isabella Pecuch to help set the pace.

“Isabella had a nice game against Bangor, and she scored 17 points,” said Jacksits. “She started with a really tough match up at Easton, who is tall and long. She played better at Dieruff and better against Bangor.”

Pecuch knows she will be the center of attention, and needs to raise her game during the season

“I feel I had a rough game against Easton, but I’m working on calling for the ball more,” noted Pecuch. “I am also personally trying to stay positive and keep my head in the game no matter what happens. As a team, I feel like limiting our turnovers and hitting some more shots will definitely make us more competitive.”

Pecuch also sees the big picture with her team.

“We have a pretty small team this year and we struggled the first two games, but I feel we had a pretty good game against Bangor. Both JV and varsity have some short players. It will be a tough season, but I believe we can play together and be competitive with lots of teams.”

Aside from Pecuch, Jacksits also has been pleased with the recent play of Emilia Hischmann, who had 11 points against Bangor. He already has seen some steady progression, as his team is beginning to find its identity.

“We played good team defense against Bangor,” added Jacksits. “I think we are still learning how to play with each other, recognizing what each of us can do to help the team be successful.

“This week we play East Stroudsburg North, Liberty, and East Stroudsburg South. We’re hopeful that we can get two of three and possibly three of three. We will need to shoot the ball better. They are working hard and we are hoping to continue making progress.”