Northampton’s 34-25 victory over Liberty in an East Penn Conference (EPC) semifinal Monday night at Allentown’s PPL Center was yet another example of the Konkrete Kids’ grittiness that they have displayed all season. It also helped them to their 20th win of the season (20-4) and kept them on a steep upward climb.

The Kids will look to defend their EPC crown when they battle Parkland (19-5) Thursday night.

Their victory also revealed their strong team bond that has carried them all season. It truly showed in a game where the basket was hard to find on both sides.

“Our guys trust each other,” boasted Kids’ head coach Matt Scholl. “They are best friends off the court. They also trust our coaching staff to put them in the best spot to win.

“We advanced to the EPC Championship with a hard-fought win in a deliberate, defensive battle that came down to poise and execution late.”

Scholl noted his team’s proficiency from the foul line, as the Kids hit 10 of 11 attempts. Senior Leo Regec leads the team, as he is shooting 90-percent from the line.

“In a game where points were difficult to come by, our confidence at the free-throw line proved decisive,” added Scholl. “We finished 10-for-11 from the foul line, a reflection of a group that has trusted its preparation all season.

“We currently have six players shooting over 72-percent from the line. That confidence showed when the game slowed down and every possession mattered.”

Scholl cited the team’s overall defensive effort and their play on the boards. Liberty had taken a 25-24 lead with just over five minutes left, but the Kids went on a 10-0 spurt down the stretch to close out the victory.

The Kids had a balanced scoring effort with Regec, Brady Simock, and Noah Walakovits each scoring eight points, and Regec grabbed five rebounds. The Kids outrebounded Liberty, 20-19.

“Defense and rebounding were equally critical in the win,” stressed Scholl. “We were disciplined on the defensive end, contested every look, and limited second-chance opportunities. Our ability to defend without fouling and secure rebounds allowed us to stay composed throughout the game.”

Korbin Sollars believed his team would stay the course despite a different setting.

“I thought that as a team we played both calm and collected,” said Sollars. “We played a close game against a good team and were able to overcome their tough defense to get the win. I think our team’s confidence also helped us get the win.”

Walakovits also stayed confident through their struggles.

“I think Liberty is a very good defensive team,” said Walakovits. “We couldn’t get it going on offense early but we pulled through and got the win.”

Like his players, Scholl hasn’t had any doubts that his senior-laden team can get back to the EPC championship game and make a deep postseason run

“This team has been focused from the start of the season, and that mindset was evident throughout that game,” said Scholl. “While last year’s run to the championship game was an exciting breakthrough, this year we expected to be back on that stage. Our seniors have set that tone, embracing unselfish roles and consistently prioritizing team success over individual recognition.

“We now head back to the EPC Championship game, confident in our preparation and grateful for another opportunity to compete at the highest level.”