Through his team’s first six games, Whitehall head boys basketball coach Jeff Jones was searching for answers.

The Zephyrs brought back three starters from last year’s 19-9 team that advanced to the state tournament. However, Whitehall began the season with a 1-5 record, picking up its first win over Stroudsburg, 52-49, Dec. 12. Four of their five losses were within seven points, their lone double-digit deficit was a 73-57 loss to Pope John Paul II.

Jones has continued to try and figure out his team’s plight, but he is confident they will reverse their course.

“Not sure why the record is what it is other than we’ve played good basketball for the most part,” stated Jones. “We have had lapses like all teams but ours have come at the most inopportune times. The free-throw line has been a struggle so far. The teams that we have played so far are quality opponents.

“This group continues to work hard and we are optimistic that the record will be reflected in a better record as the season progresses.”

Senior Seth Hoderewski was the leading scorer, averaging 13 points per game. He has been joined by senior Talon Dogmanits (10 points per game) and junior Tanner Dogmanits to form the Zephyrs’ scoring trifecta. They are joined by senior Jack Lloyd and sophomore Cole Rozycki, who at 6-7 has taken over in the middle.

Jones knows familiarity on the court may take some time in their transition game.

“We have promoted a transition game all season and then run a half-court offense when transition isn’t available,” stressed Jones. “The five guys who are starting right now have never played together at any point in their lives. It obviously will take some time to get comfortable with each other.

“This is certainly a group of guys who are really competing hard and learning to play together as Rozycki and Lloyd are essentially new to the group. Both Rozycki and Lloyd are going to keep getting better with each passing game. We’re still trying to figure out substitution patterns early in the season.”

Yet, Jones has seen enough positives to believe his club can be in the hunt.

“We have played very well in all of our games so far this year for parts of each game, and we have led in some in the second half. We have not been able to finish games down the stretch due to turnovers and some poor foul shooting.

“There have been disappointing results so far, but there has been a great effort. Our focus late in games and attention to details must improve.

“I’m hoping we are more consistent as a team moving forward.”